How to Obtain A Liquor License In Chicago

Transcription

1 How to Obtain A Liquor License In Chicago

2 Application Process The liquor license application process is thorough to ensure that only responsible business owners are granted the privilege of obtaining a liquor license. Applicants are required to provide detailed information on ownership and business finances. Establishments must undergo and pass inspections from several city departments. Neighborhood sentiment is also taken into consideration. No license will be issued to an establishment within 100 feet of a school, church, hospital, home for the aged or indigent, or library.

3 Step 1 Getting Started The Applicant may request an application by scheduling an intake appointment at BACP. It is recommended that interested business owners discuss the application process in detail with a Business Consultant. Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection 121 N. La Salle Street City Hall Room 800 Chicago, IL GOBIZ ( )

4 Step 2: Are you in a restricted area? The Applicant is strongly encouraged to determine if a liquor license is permitted in a location before investing in any business. There are several types of restrictions that prohibit the issuance of a liquor license: Dry Precincts Moratorium Areas Establishment within 100 feet of a school, church, hospital, home for the aged or indigent, or library. Zoning regulations

5 Step 3: Application / Zoning Review To begin the liquor license application process, the Applicant is required to complete the written application. The Applicant should also be prepared to submit a detailed floor and business site plan to the Business Consultant. The Department of Zoning will review the Applicant s application, floor and site plans to determine if liquor sales are allowed at your business location. The Applicant may review the zoning classification of your proposed business location at

6 Step 4: File the Application Once the Applicant has secured Zoning approval, the Applicant can file their application with the Department of Business Affairs and pay the required license application fees. The date the Applicant files their application is known as the application file date. The Applicant will have 30 days from their application file date to submit all applicable documents. A Business Consultant will provide the Applicant a list of all required documents, schedule all required inspections, and prepare all required public notifications, including notice to all legal voters registered within 250 feet of your business location.

7 Other Application Steps Step 5: Task Force Inspections Step 6: Background Check Step 7: Public Notification Step 8: Submit Required Documents Step 9: Department of Business Affairs / Local Liquor Control Commission Application Review.

8 Timeframe Applicant Business Consultant Zoning 2 10 Days Payment Documents Acceptance Days Notifications / Inspections / Fingerprinting 45 Days Final Review Issuance 3-5 Days Total Days

9 Restrictions / Special Regulations Zoning Dry Areas Liquor Moratorium Districts Proximity to Churches, Schools, Homes for the Aged, Proximity to Libraries Proximity to Other Taverns

10 Moratorium Objectives To freeze the number of packaged goods licenses and certain kinds of on-premises (i.e. tavern) licenses in a clearly defined geographical area. To limit how moratorium licenses are transferred from one person to another

11 Moratorium License Types Packaged Goods Non-exempt on-premise licenses Taverns Entertainment Venues Bowling Alleys Coffee Houses Other Non-exempt on-premise licenses Late Hour Licenses (19 th,42 nd,43 rd, 44 th, 46 th, and 47 th Wards)

12 Moratorium Exceptions Restaurants Sports Stadiums Banquet Halls Ice Rinks Navy Pier

13 Placement Rules Must cover at least two contiguous city blocks. Identify the type (Packaged Goods or On-Premises) Both sides of the street will be presumed unless other side is a different ward or otherwise designated. Moratorium can t be replaced for a minimum of one year after one is lifted for the same area. Moratorium must be removed in the same way that it is placed. Six month grace period. Prior existing applications not affected. Sponsor of the ordinance placing a moratorium must notify all existing licensees (See License Committee).

14 Transfer Requirements When more than five percent of the business is being transferred to another person, one of five exceptions must apply: 1. Legal Spouse of Prior Licensee. 2. Parent, Natural or Adopted Child of the Prior Licensee. 3. An Heir of the Prior Licensee. 4. Any Person Who already Shares Ownership or is Acquiring Less than Five Percent. 5. Any Other Person Acquiring the Business with Community Approval (Petitions).

15 City of Chicago Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection 121 N. La Salle Street City Hall 800 Chicago, Illinois GOBIZ ( )