Liquor Licenses

License Overview

You must have a City of Chicago Liquor License to sell liquor. There are different types of liquor licenses required for different activities. See the list of liquor licenses here.

Related Licenses

A food license is required to serve food.
Conducting an amusement requires a Public Place of Amusement License.

Application Requirements

A debt check will be conducted as part of the application process. All City debt must be resolved for the license to be issued.
A fingerprint-based background check will be conducted for all controlling persons as part of the application process.
An inspection of the premises will be conducted by BACP, Department of Buildings, Department of Health, and the Chicago Fire Department
The local Alderman, police Commander, and each registered voter within 250 feet of a proposed liquor license establishment is notified when an application is filed.
The City will vet the proposed establishment’s location to ensure that it does not fall into a “dry precinct” or moratorium area that prohibits the issuance of additional liquor licenses.
Liquor licenses cannot be issued within 100 feet of a school, church, hospital, home for the aged, or library without a distance reduction being granted.

How to Apply

In person: Visit the href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/chicago-business-licensing/home/visitus.html">Small Business Center Visit Us webpage for wait times, location, and hours of operation.

Online: Visit the online business license application system.

BYOB

The City of Chicago does not regulate the practice of BYOB. However, businesses that wish to engage in BYOB are responsible for ensuring that all laws and ordinances concerning the consumption of alcohol on their premises are followed including making sure minors are not consuming alcohol and protecting against customers over consuming.