
Illinois has a complex framework of laws governing the sale, purchase, and consumption of alcohol. While the state does not prohibit the sale of alcohol on any day, including Sundays and major holidays, the specific hours during which alcohol can be sold may vary by locality. In Chicago, bars and restaurants can sell alcohol from 7:00 AM to 2:00 AM Monday to Friday, 7:00 AM to 3:00 AM on Saturdays, and 11:00 AM to 2:00 AM on Sundays. However, restaurants with a Retail Food License can start selling alcohol at 9:00 AM on Sundays. Outside of Chicago, counties may have different operating hours within these restrictions. Additionally, certain areas in Illinois, known as dry counties, may have local ordinances that prohibit the sale of alcohol altogether.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Legal opening time for all liquor establishments on Sunday | 7 am or 11 am |
| Time of closing on Sunday | 2 am or 3 am |
| Time of closing with a Late Hour Liquor License on Sunday | 5 am |
| Time restaurants can begin selling liquor on Sunday | 9 am |
| Time alcohol can be served from on other days | 7 am to 2 am (Monday to Friday) and 7 am to 3 am (Saturdays) |
| Time alcohol can be served from on all days in Chicago | 10 am to 4 am |
| Time alcohol can be served from in Iowa | 9 am to 2 pm on Sundays and 6 am to 2 am on weekdays |
| Time alcohol can be served from in other states | 6 am to 2 am (Washington), 6 am to 1 am (Idaho), 6 am to 2 am (West Virginia), 6 am to 2 am (Wyoming) |
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What You'll Learn

Alcohol sales hours in Illinois
The sale of alcohol in Illinois is governed by a complex framework of laws and regulations that vary by locality. While there are no statewide prohibitions on the sale of alcohol on any day, including Sundays and holidays, local ordinances may restrict sales on Sundays or certain holidays.
In Chicago, bars and restaurants can generally sell alcohol between 7:00 AM and 2:00 AM from Monday to Friday, 7:00 AM to 3:00 AM on Saturdays, and 11:00 AM to 2:00 AM on Sundays. However, establishments with a Late Hour Liquor License can operate until 4:00 AM from Monday to Saturday and 5:00 AM on Sundays. Additionally, restaurants or tavern licensees with a Retail Food License can start selling alcohol at 9:00 AM on Sundays.
Outside of Chicago, in other counties and cities across Illinois, alcohol sales hours may differ. Some areas may have more restrictive hours, while others could have more lenient regulations. For example, some counties have 24-hour bars, while others allow alcohol sales from 6:00 AM to 2:00 AM daily.
It's important to note that Illinois has specific regulations concerning alcohol consumption as well. While public intoxication is not a criminal offence, disorderly conduct while intoxicated can lead to arrest. Additionally, consuming alcohol in certain public places, such as parks and sidewalks, is prohibited unless permitted by local ordinances.
To ensure responsible alcohol service and compliance with the law, beverage workers and business owners must understand the specific regulations governing the sale and consumption of alcohol in their locality within Illinois.
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Chicago liquor license extensions
In Chicago, Illinois, bars and restaurants can sell alcohol between 7:00 a.m. and 2:00 a.m. from Monday to Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m. on Saturdays, and 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. on Sundays. Retailers can extend their closing time by two hours with an extended hours permit.
Businesses with a Consumption or Tavern License can apply for a Late Hour Liquor License to remain open beyond the standard hours. The standard closing hour for a Consumption or Tavern liquor license holder is 2:00 a.m. Monday through Saturday and 3:00 a.m. on Sunday. With a Late Hour Liquor License, those establishments can stay open until 4:00 a.m. Monday through Saturday and 5:00 a.m. on Sunday. The legal opening time for all liquor establishments is 7:00 a.m. Monday through Saturday and 11:00 a.m. on Sunday. Restaurants (or Tavern licensees with a Retail Food License) can begin selling liquor at 9:00 a.m. on Sundays.
To apply for a Late Hour Liquor License, applicants must first hold an incidental-consumption on-premises or tavern liquor license. The application process for a liquor license in Chicago is comprehensive and involves community input and facility inspections. Applicants must provide detailed information on ownership and business finances, and establishments must undergo and pass inspections from several city departments, including the Departments of Health, Fire, and Buildings. Neighborhood sentiment is also considered, with each legal registered voter within 250 feet of a proposed establishment notified when an application is filed.
There may be restrictions on obtaining a liquor license in certain areas of the city, such as "dry precincts" or moratorium areas that prohibit the issuance of additional licenses for packaged goods and consumption on premises. Liquor licenses also cannot be issued to establishments within 100 feet of a school, church, or hospital. A moratorium restriction may also apply to new packaged goods licenses, so it is important to check with a hospitality business consultant or your Alderman if your business is located in a moratorium district.
The City of Chicago provides resources to guide applicants through the liquor license application process, including a customer-oriented case management approach where a case manager works closely with applicants and ensures they understand the responsibilities of a licensed liquor establishment. Businesses can also meet with a BACP business consultant to determine what type of license is required and if there are any restrictions based on the business location.
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Sunday liquor sales in other states
In Illinois, bars and restaurants can sell alcohol from 11 am to 2 am on Sundays. However, in counties outside Chicago, the hours may differ. For instance, in Indiana, Sunday alcohol sales are restricted to between noon and 8 pm.
Sunday liquor sales vary across the United States, with many states continuing to impose tighter restrictions on the sale of alcoholic drinks on Sundays. This is often referred to as "blue laws", which refer to any restriction or ban on specific activities on Sundays. These laws were not necessarily printed on blue paper or bound in blue ribbon, as has been suggested.
Some states, like Arizona, have repealed their Sunday alcohol sale restrictions. Arizona previously limited Sunday alcohol sales to between 2 am and 10 am, but this law was repealed in 2010. Other states, like Minnesota, have recently allowed Sunday alcohol sales for the first time in their history. In 2017, Minnesota legislators approved Sunday alcohol sales, restricting liquor stores that chose to open on Sundays to operate between 11 am and 6 pm.
Some states differentiate between types of alcohol sold. For example, Texas distinguishes between "liquor", defined as beverages containing more than four per cent alcohol by weight, and "beer and wine", with more restrictive laws for liquor sales. Beer and wine can be sold by any retailer with the proper licenses.
Other states have more complex laws surrounding Sunday alcohol sales. In New York, most counties have more restrictive blue laws, and establishments that serve alcohol onsite are exempt from restrictions prohibiting licenses within 200 feet of a place of worship. North Carolina does not allow alcohol sales between 2 am and 7 am from Monday to Saturday, and between 2 am and either 10 am or noon on Sundays, depending on the county.
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Illinois liquor laws on holidays
In Illinois, the sale of alcohol is not prohibited on any day, including Sundays and major holidays. According to the Illinois Liquor Control Commission, alcohol can be served from 10 a.m. to 4 a.m. seven days a week. However, specific counties and localities may have different regulations. For example, in Chicago, bars and restaurants can serve alcohol from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m., Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 3 a.m. on Saturdays, and 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Sundays. Restaurants with a Tavern license can start selling alcohol at 9 a.m. on Sundays.
Businesses with a Consumption or Tavern License can obtain a Late-Hour Liquor License to extend their operating hours. With this license, establishments can remain open until 4 a.m. from Monday to Saturday and 5 a.m. on Sundays. Additionally, retailers can apply for an extended-hours permit to stay open two hours later than usual.
It is important to note that Illinois has a complex framework of liquor laws, including the Illinois Liquor Control Act, which outlines requirements for sales, distribution, and licensing. Local municipalities can implement additional restrictions, such as "dry counties," where alcohol sales are prohibited. These regulations aim to prevent underage drinking, overserving, and accidents.
The state also has specific laws for alcohol-related promotions and happy hours. Drink specials are allowed for up to four hours per day and no more than 15 hours per week, but volume specials like "two-for-one" deals are prohibited. Happy hour promotions are not permitted between 10 p.m. and closing time.
To ensure responsible alcohol service, Illinois requires employees involved in selling or serving alcohol to undergo the Beverage Alcohol Sellers and Servers Education and Training (BASSET) program. This certification educates individuals on topics such as checking IDs, recognizing intoxication, and understanding legal obligations.
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Illinois laws on public intoxication
In the state of Illinois, it is not illegal to be in public while under the influence of alcohol. However, public intoxication can lead to or intensify other infractions. According to 20 ILCS 301, Section 55-15, you cannot be ticketed or arrested if "being intoxicated [is] the sole basis of the offense".
That being said, there are some important laws and nuances to be aware of when it comes to alcohol consumption and sales in Illinois:
- Disorderly Conduct – While public intoxication is not a crime in Illinois, disorderly conduct while intoxicated is. If you behave in a way that disturbs the peace while drunk, you can be charged with disorderly conduct. This could include behaviour that endangers yourself or others, or simply annoys those around you.
- Open Container Laws – In Chicago, it is illegal to drink alcohol from an open container in a public space according to Ordinance 8-4-030. This includes walking down the street with an open beer. However, sipping beer on a restaurant patio is allowed.
- Underage Drinking – Anyone under the age of 21 caught in possession of or under the influence of alcohol can be charged with a Class A misdemeanour, punishable by up to a year in jail, a fine of $500 to $2,500, or both. Minors may also be required to complete community service. Additionally, anyone over 21 who supplies alcohol to minors will face the same charges.
- Liquor License Requirements – Any establishment wishing to sell alcohol in Illinois must obtain a liquor license. Bars and restaurants with a standard Consumption or Tavern license in Chicago can sell alcohol between 7:00 AM and 2:00 AM from Monday to Friday, 7:00 AM and 3:00 AM on Saturdays, and 11:00 AM to 2:00 AM on Sundays. These hours may vary in other counties. Establishments with a Late Hour Liquor License can remain open until 4:00 AM Monday through Saturday and 5:00 AM on Sunday.
- Cocktails to Go Law – During the COVID-19 pandemic, a temporary law was enacted allowing restaurants and bars to sell sealed containers of wine and mixed drinks for off-premise consumption. This law has since been extended, allowing businesses to continue this practice under strict guidelines.
- Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) – To be considered intoxicated, a person's BAC must be 0.08% or above. This limit applies to both automobile drivers and boat operators, with penalties for boating while intoxicated similar to those for driving under the influence (DUI).
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Frequently asked questions
Alcohol can be sold from 10 am to 4 am on Sundays in Illinois.
Yes, sales are restricted on Sundays in some areas, often starting later in the morning. Counties and cities can also impose additional restrictions.
Alcohol can be purchased in bars and restaurants in Chicago from 11 am to 2 am on Sundays.
Alcohol can be purchased in bars and restaurants outside of Chicago from 7 am to 2 am on Sundays.

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