The Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) issues business licenses in the City of Chicago and regulates industries as diverse as retail, food establishments, day care centers, manufacturing facilities and motor vehicle repair shops. BACP also regulates the sale of retail liquor in Chicago. 

Most types of business licenses can be applied for online, or in-person. When applying in-person, a BACP, Small Business Center (SBC), Business Consultant will help determine what license(s) or permit(s) you need, process your application, and also connect you with business resources. To request an appointment to meet with a Business Consultant, please call our Business Contact Center at 312.74.GOBIZ (744.6249).

Public Way Use Permits

In addition to issuing business licenses, BACP is the department which handles General Grants of Privilege for the use of the public way. If your business has a sign, canopy, awning, bench, or anything that extends over, under or is on the public way, it may require a public way use permit. There are several different types of public way uses including sidewalk cafés. 

You can apply for a public way use permit, at the BACP-SBC Public Way Use Unit, in City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St., Room 800. Please call our Business Contact Center at 312.74.GOBIZ (744.6249) to request an appointment to meet with a Public Way Use Representative.