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The State of Illinois closely regulates the use of alcohol through licensing of its purchase, sale, and movement within the state.

Each municipal unit: City, county, ward, or other administrative entity; maintains distinct requirements that are not necessarily identical. For example, Chicago requires a criminal history review and various onsite premise inspections. Public notice of filing is mandatory.

http://www.egov.cityofchicago. org This is not true for every entity throughout the state.

Moratorium restrictions against the issuance of certain licenses, under certain circumstances, are in effect. The case manager in the Department of Alcohol Control or the local City Council Representative (Alderman) is your best source of information about exact requirements, as well as the process of gathering all necessary supporting data for consideration of your application.

Throughout the state, the license is highly specific in detail of use and premise. There is no one, all-inclusive license. Each activity within the premise must be reviewed for a separate licensing requirement. For example certain entertainment devices such as pool tables, arcade games, etc., require individual licensing.

Some questions to be asked are: Will you only sell drinks inside a bar or restaurant? Will you do off-site catering of a party with an open bar? Will you participate in fairs and festivals lasting more than one day? Will you host wine tasting? Keep in mind that each activity could require a permit in addition to the liquor license.

A visit to the Illinois Control Commission website will answer many questions, and provide print-ready applications and permits. http://www.stateill.usLCC

Accur ate and complete responses to all questions are mandatory and supporting documents are required:

* A photocopy of Certificate of Insurance if alcohol is to be consumed on premise;

* If acquiring an existing business, you will need:

* A photocopy of current local liquor license.

* Prior State Liquor License

* Bulk Sales Release Order - From Ill Dept. of Revenue

* Proof that applicant has the right to occupy premise (proof of purchase, lease, etc.)

* Federal Employee Identification Number

* Illinois Business Tax (Sales Tax Number)

* Check or money order for license fee ($500)

* Application must bear an original signature.

ILLINOIS LIQUOR CONTROL COMMISSION

The Commission conducts education and training seminars for all license holders and servers throughout the state. http://www.training-classes.co m/providers

An online bar ownership training program will walk you through the process of a start-up or assuming ownership of an existing operation. This is a 3-week course, with field assignments.

An online certified bar management program is mandatory for owners and employees in many parts of the state. Emphasis is primarily on underage drinking, but the seminars address the complexities of state and local alcohol sales and service. A class syllabus is available.

The BASSET program is regulated by ILCC, and is mandatory in many areas throughout Illinois. It is a program of awareness of state and local laws for servers or sellers of alcohol and designed to be completed in 3 to 4 hours online.

It is intended as a preventive to regulate consumption and keep drunk drivers off the roads, but it also addresses situations that put your liquor license at risk.

DRAM SHOP INSURANCE

You must maintain dram shop insurance to hold an Illinois liquor license. The first line of defense of your dram shop insurance is a well-trained and alert staff within your operation.

Bartenders and servers must always be aware and responsive to circumstances within the premise. Employees must have a trained sense of when a customer might have been over-served or might be underage; and how to react with confidence. This awareness grows with experience, but begins with proper training.

A successful establishment must be professionally presented to the community as a safe and secure place of entertainment. It must not tolerate disturbances, frequent calls for the police or anything that would mark the business as other than a good citizen.

All requirements of the Illinois Liquor Licensing program work together to establish your worthiness to hold such a license.

It is the interest of the State of Illinois that use of alcohol within the state is safe and regulated. As you pursue such a license, you will find training courses, written materials, and public officials who will help you work through the training and certifications required for the successful operation of this complicated and fascinating business.

Learn more about this author, Joan Mccord.
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