Liquor License FAQ & Inquiries

Liquor license applications may take approximately 90 days to be approved. Applicants must undergo a background check, and applications must be approved by the Liquor Control Commission, Committee of the Whole, and City Council. Timing may vary depending on meeting schedules. Plan to submit your liquor license application at least 90 days prior to your anticipated opening date.

Yes, Class F-1 and F-2 liquor licenses allow businesses to have BYOB or carry in for alcoholic drinks. The license application is available via the online licensing portal. 

All liquor licenses run concurrent with the City's fiscal year: May 1 through April 30. All licenses expire April 30. License holders must submit a renewal application in order to renew their licenses. Renewals are typically sent out in February and are due the last day in March.

The Illinois Liquor Control Commission website has all of the required postings available for download: https://ilcc.illinois.gov/divisions/education/resources/retailer-materials.html

Yes, under Illinois law, a mobile ID is an acceptable form of identification which can be used by an individual to prove that they are 21 years of age or older. However, a customer cannot simply “show” their mobile ID to a server or clerk. Businesses are required to verify the validity of the mobile ID before accepting it as proof of age. Businesses may complete this verification by using the ILSOS Mobile ID Check App (available for iPhone users), or an ISO 18013-5 compliant reader.

Licensees are responsible for ensuring full compliance with the approved verification procedures. For additional questions or for more information, please contact the Illinois Secretary of State at MobileIDCheck@ilsos.gov.