What Time do they Stop Selling Alcohol in Chicago? Illinois Alcoholic Beverage Sales and Laws (2024)

What Time do they Stop Selling Alcohol in Chicago? Step into the vibrant streets of Chicago, where the energy of the city pulses through every corner, and the night holds promises of adventure.

Amidst the towering skyscrapers, legendary sports teams, and the sweet melody of jazz, there lies a mysterious time limit that liquor aficionados and night owls alike must heed. In the bustling metropolis of the Windy City, an unspoken question lingers in the air: “What time do they stop selling alcohol?”

As the city’s bustling nightlife intertwines with its rich history, join us on a journey to uncover the hidden curfew that shapes the after-hours revelry in the heart of the Midwest. Prepare to be enchanted by the tales of forgotten speakeasies, the rhythmic clinking of glasses, and the secrets that make Chicago’s last call an enigma worth exploring.

What Time do they Stop Selling Alcohol in Chicago?

In Chicago, the serving hours for alcohol in Chicago vary depending on the day of the week and the type of establishment. Generally, most off-premise and on-premise alcohol sales are from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. Monday to Friday, a.m. to 3 a.m. on Saturday, and 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Sunday. Establishments with Late Hour Liquor License can sell alcoholic beverages until 4 a.m. Monday through Saturday and 5 a.m. on Sunday.

However, it’s important to note that these hours can be subject to change due to special permits, or unforeseen circumstances. To ensure the most up-to-date information, it is recommended to check with specific establishments or refer to official sources such as the City of Chicago’s official website.

What time do they stop selling alcohol in Illinois?

There are the general hours of sale for alcoholic beverages in different types of premises in Illinois:

1. Bars and Restaurants: In Illinois, bars and restaurants can generally sell alcoholic beverages from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 3 a.m. on Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Sunday. The closing hour under a standard Consumption or Tavern liquor license is 2 a.m., Monday through Saturday, and 3 a.m. on Sunday whereas establishments with a Late Hour Liquor License can sell alcoholic beverages until 4 a.m. Monday through Saturday and 5 a.m. on Sunday.
2. Grocery Stores and Convenience Stores: The sale of packaged alcoholic beverages (beer, wine, and liquor) in grocery stores and convenience stores is allowed 7-2 a.m. Monday through Friday, 7-3 a.m. on Saturday, and 8-2 a.m. on Sunday. The closing time on Sunday mornings varies from the other days. Grocery stores must sell alcoholic drinks in the original packaging for off-premise consumption.
3. Breweries, tap rooms and Craft Breweries: Breweries and craft breweries in Illinois are allowed to sell their own products for on-site consumption, and sell growlers for off-premises use. The hours of sale for on-site consumption in these establishments may vary, but they generally align with the hours allowed for bars and restaurants. Thus, breweries and taprooms in Illinois can sell beer between 7 a.m. and 2 a.m. Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. and 3 a.m. on Saturday, and 11 a.m. through 2 a.m. on Sunday.
4. Package and liquor Stores: Standalone liquor stores in Illinois are typically allowed to sell packaged alcoholic beverages from can sell beer, wine, and liquor between 7 a.m. and 2 a.m. Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. and 3 a.m. on Saturday, and 11 a.m. through 2 a.m. on Sunday. All sales must be for off-premise consumption.

Delivery of alcoholic drinks

Alcohol can be delivered to homes in Illinois and specific locations, subject to certain regulations. Here are some key guidelines to consider regarding alcohol delivery in the state:

1. Delivery Locations: Alcohol can be delivered to the customer’s home or another specified location. This allows individuals to conveniently receive their desired alcoholic beverages without visiting a physical establishment.
2. Age Verification: To receive an alcohol delivery in Illinois, the recipient must be at least 21 years old. This age verification ensures compliance with legal drinking age requirements and prevents the delivery of alcoholic beverages to underage individuals.
3. Delivery Driver Age: In accordance with Illinois law, the delivery driver who transports alcoholic beverages must also be at least 21 years old. This requirement ensures that those handling and delivering the alcohol meet the legal age criteria.
4. Third-Party Delivery: In addition to traditional establishments offering delivery services, third-party delivery companies are also permitted to deliver beer and other alcoholic beverages. These companies provide an additional avenue for customers to receive their desired beverages conveniently.
5. Cocktails to Go: Illinois has been implementing temporary regulations allowing for the sale and delivery of cocktails to go. This initiative was introduced to support local businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, enabling customers to enjoy mixed drinks at home. However, it’s important to note that regulations may evolve or change over time, so it’s advisable to check with local authorities or the establishment for the most up-to-date information regarding cocktails.

Remember, while alcohol delivery provides convenience, it is crucial to consume alcoholic beverages responsibly and in accordance with legal requirements.

Illinois Alcoholic Beverage Sales and Laws

Illinois has a comprehensive set of laws and regulations regarding alcoholic beverage sales. These laws are in place to ensure responsible consumption, maintain public safety, and regulate the sale and distribution of alcohol. Here are some key points regarding alcoholic beverage sales and laws in Illinois:

1. Legal Drinking Age: The legal drinking age in Illinois, as in the rest of the United States, is 21. It is illegal for anyone under this age to purchase, possess, or consume alcoholic beverages.
2. Hours of Sale: In Illinois, the hours during which alcohol can be sold vary depending on the type of establishment and the day of the week. Generally, most off-premise and on-premise alcohol sales are from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 3 a.m. on Saturday, and 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Sunday. Bars and restaurants open at 11 a.m. on Sundays. The closing hour under a standard Consumption or Tavern liquor license is 2 a.m., Monday through Saturday, and 3 a.m. on Sunday whereas establishments with a Late Hour Liquor License can sell alcoholic beverages until 4 a.m. Monday through Saturday and 5 a.m. on Sunday.
3. Drinking and driving: Drinking and driving is illegal in Illinois, and it is a serious offense that poses significant risks to public safety. The state has stringent laws and penalties in place to deter and punish individuals who choose to operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.
4. Liquor Control Commission: The Illinois Liquor Control Commission (ILCC) is responsible for regulating and overseeing the sale and distribution of alcoholic beverages in the state. They issue licenses to establishments, enforce liquor laws, and handle violations.
5. Licenses: Various licenses are required to sell and distribute alcoholic beverages in Illinois. These licenses include Retailer’s Licenses for bars and restaurants, Distributor Licenses for wholesalers, and Manufacturer Licenses for those involved in producing alcoholic beverages. Late Hour Liquor License Application Process
6. Local Control: Local municipalities within Illinois have the authority to establish additional regulations and restrictions on alcohol sales, such as specific hours of operation or dry areas where alcohol sales are prohibited.
7. Dram Shop Liability: Illinois has a “dram shop” law, which holds establishments accountable for serving alcohol to individuals who are already intoxicated. If a person is injured or killed as a result of the intoxicated individual’s actions, the establishment may be held liable.

Can minors drink beer in Illinois with their parents?

In Illinois, it is illegal for minors (individuals under the age of 21) to consume, buy, or possess alcoholic beverages. There is an exception in Illinois law that allows minors to consume alcohol under certain circumstances. According to the Illinois Liquor Control Act, a minor (under the age of 21) may consume alcohol in a private residence if two conditions are met:

1. The minor must be in the presence of their parent or legal guardian.
2. The consumption must take place within a private residence, not in a public setting.

This exception allows parents or legal guardians to provide alcohol to their minor children within the confines of their private residences. The intention behind this exception is to allow for parental supervision and guidance when it comes to alcohol consumption, promoting responsible drinking habits.

It is important to note that this exception does not apply to other public or commercial settings, and it does not give minors the general right to consume alcohol outside of their homes. The law still prohibits minors from possessing or consuming alcohol in public places, such as restaurants, bars, or other establishments.

Moreover, the law still prohibits the sale or carrying of alcohol whether open or not to a person who is less than 21 years old.

Drinking and driving

It is illegal in Illinois, and it is a serious offense that poses significant risks to public safety. The state has stringent laws and penalties in place to deter and punish individuals who choose to operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.

In Illinois, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for drivers who are 21 years of age or older is 0.08%. If a driver’s BAC exceeds this limit, they can be charged with driving under the influence (DUI). For those who are 21 and above, the first DUI conviction can come with these penalties:

• Revoked driver’s license at least 1 year
• Jail time up to a year
• Up to $2,500 fine

However, for drivers under the age of 21, the legal drinking age in Illinois, any measurable amount of alcohol in their system is considered illegal, and they can be charged with a zero-tolerance offense. For a person under 21, the first DUI conviction can come with these penalties:

• Up to $2,500 fine
• Potential jail time of up to a year
• Revoked driver’s license at least 2 years

The consequences of drinking and driving in Illinois can be severe. They may include license suspension, fines, mandatory alcohol education or treatment programs, community service, probation, and even jail time. Additionally, a DUI conviction can have long-term consequences on one’s driving record, insurance rates, and future employment opportunities.

To prioritize the safety of all road users, it is crucial to never drink and drive. This applies to individuals of all ages, but it is especially important for minors who are not legally allowed to consume alcohol in Illinois. It is essential to make responsible choices, plan ahead for a designated driver, use rideshare services, or rely on public transportation when alcohol is involved.

Refilling growlers and other unsealed beer containers in Illinois

A growler is a container, typically made of glass, ceramic, or stainless steel, used to transport and store draft beer. It allows customers to take fresh beer home directly from a bar, restaurant, or brewery.

In Illinois, bars, restaurants, and breweries are permitted to fill growlers for customers to enjoy beer at home. This means that individuals can bring their empty growlers to these establishments and have them refilled with their choice of beer on tap. The size limit for growlers in Illinois is quite generous, allowing for containers up to 128 ounces in capacity.

Not only can taprooms fill growlers with their own beer, but they can also fill them with beer from guest taps. This provides customers with a wide variety of beer options to choose from when getting their growlers filled.

This practice allows beer enthusiasts in Illinois to bring home their favorite draft beer and enjoy it at their convenience. It also supports local businesses by promoting sales of their beer outside of their establishments.

When visiting bars, restaurants, or breweries in Illinois for growler refills, it’s always a good idea to check their specific policies and any limitations they may have. Enjoy the convenience of filling your growler with fresh, delicious beer to savor at home.

Comparing the times you can buy alcohol on Sunday in different States

Different states have different alcohol laws. We have previously explored the Massachusetts alcohol laws and Ohio alcohol laws. The laws in most States are almost a replica of each other with a few States being more conservative or liberal.

State	Capital	The time they sell Alcohol on Sunday
Alabama	Montgomery	6 AM and 2 AM in grocery stores and liquor stores
Alaska	Juneau	8 a.m. to 5 a.m. the following morning every day of the year except on election days
Arizona	Phoenix	You can buy alcohol in Arizona from 6:00 a.m. and 2:00 a.m. every day
Arkansas	Little Rock	Not allowed unless the local county/municipality has voted to allow it
California	Sacramento	You can buy alcohol in California from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. every day, including Sunday
Colorado	Denver	7:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.
Connecticut	Hartford	10:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m.
Delaware	Dover	Noon until 6:00 p.m. and prohibited during polls or national elections
Florida	Tallahassee	10 a.m. through 3 a.m on Sundays
Georgia	Atlanta	12:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. for locally approved premises
Hawaii	Honolulu	6 a.m. until 11 p.m. if in Hawai’i, Kaua’i, and Maui counties or until midnight in Honolulu county
Idaho	Boise	10 a.m. and 1 a.m. with localities approval, otherwise it is banned
Illinois	Springfield	12 p.m. to 12 a.m. on-premise and off-premise
Indiana	Indianapolis	12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. from March 4, 2018
Iowa	Des Moines	6 a.m. to 2 a.m.
Kansas	Topeka	9 a.m to 11 p.m. and banned on Easter Sunday, Christmas, and Thanksgiving
Kentucky	Frankfort	Noon to midnight subject to regulation by the Kenton County Fiscal Court, Kentucky
Louisiana	Baton Rouge	6 a.m. to 2 a.m. and prohibited in Lafayette Parish
Maine	Augusta	9 a.m. to 1 a.m. the following day licensed by the Maine Department of Public Safety
Maryland	Annapolis	8 a.m. to 10 p.m. for consumption on the premise and not at a bar or counter
Massachusetts	Boston	10 a.m. until 11 p.m. for off-premise consumption
Michigan	Lansing	7 a.m. on Sunday and 2 a.m. on Monday
Minnesota	Saint Paul	11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Mississippi	Jackson	7:00 a.m. to Midnight on-premise but can be regulated through local ordinance, municipal or county governments
Missouri	Jefferson City	Between 6:00 AM and 1:30 AM on Sunday (beginning August 28, 2021) for an additional license fee
Montana	Helena	8 a.m. to 2 a.m. like on other days
Nebraska	Lincoln	12:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. on Monday
Nevada	Carson City	24 hours every day, including Sunday
New Hampshire	Concord	10:00 am to 5:00 pm but vary by location
New Jersey	Trenton	10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on premises with a liquor license
New Mexico	Santa Fe	Noon until midnight with a permit and close at 11 p.m. in restaurants
New York	Albany	You can buy alcohol in New York from noon until 9:00 p.m. at a liquor/wine store
North Carolina	Raleigh	From Noon to 2 a.m. from 2017
North Dakota	Bismarck	8 a.m. to 2 a.m. in bars and restaurants every day
Ohio	Columbus	10:00 a.m. to midnight
Oklahoma	Oklahoma City	6 a.m. to 2 a.m., seven days a week.
Oregon	Salem	7 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day of the week for off-premise consumption
Pennsylvania	Harrisburg	9 a.m. Sunday to 2 a.m. Monday with Sunday sales permit
Rhode Island	Providence	10 a.m. to 6 p.m. with a license to sell liquor
South Carolina	Columbia	No Sunday sales are permitted unless allowed by the county via referendum
South Dakota	Pierre	7 a.m. to 2 a.m. every day of the week if no additional restrictions by county or municipal ordinances
Tennessee	Nashville	10 a.m. to 11 p.m. but prohibited on  Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter
Texas	Austin	10 a.m. to midnight at grocery stores or other retailers
Utah	Salt Lake City	10:00 a.m. until 1:00 a.m.
Vermont	Montpelier	Between 8 a.m. and 2 a.m. for on-premise and 6 a.m. to midnight for off-premise
Virginia	Richmond	6:00 a.m. until 2:00 a.m. every day
Washington	Olympia	6 a.m. until 2 a.m. every day from 1967
West Virginia	Charleston	6 a.m. until 2 a.m. every day
Wisconsin	Madison	6:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. every day
Wyoming	Cheyenne	Between 6:00 a.m. and 2:00 a.m. every day

Is Illinois a dry State?

Illinois is not a dry State since there are no prohibitions on the manufacture or sale of alcoholic beverages or even heavy restrictions on the sale of alcohol. A dry State is a term used to describe a State where the manufacture, sale and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages are prohibited statewide. However, Illinois allows the sale and consumption of alcohol throughout the State.

Previously there were dry Counties in Illinois are areas where the local government has implemented laws or ordinances that restrict or prohibit the sale of alcohol. These restrictions can vary, ranging from complete prohibition to limitations on specific types of alcohol or establishments.

However, it’s worth mentioning that the number of dry Counties in Illinois has decreased over time, and currently, there are no dry Counties in Illinois since the majority of the State allows alcohol sales.

The decision to be a dry county or municipality in Illinois is made at the State level and thus does not give their counties or small towns the power to become dry through voting. Therefore, every locality in Illinois must follow the State’s wet status.

Conclusion

Regulations surrounding alcohol sales time in Illinois serve as a balance between providing opportunities for enjoyment and maintaining responsible consumption. Bars, restaurants, breweries, tap rooms, grocery stores, gas stations (convenient stores), and liquor stores in the state typically can sell beer, wine, and liquor from 7 a.m. until 2:00 a.m. from Monday to Saturday, and until 3:00 a.m. on Saturdays. Sundays alcohol sales ends at 2:00 a.m.

Illinois also allows for the delivery of alcohol to customers’ homes, provided that the recipient is at least 21 years old and the delivery driver is of legal drinking age. This convenience enables individuals to enjoy their favorite beverages without leaving the comfort of their own residences. Additionally, the practice of filling growlers allows beer enthusiasts to take home fresh draft beer from bars, restaurants, and breweries, supporting local businesses and providing a wide variety of options to savor at their leisure.

FAQs