Cook County Liquor Commission

COVID-19 Update

The business community and residents of Cook County are facing many challenges due to the COVID-19 outbreak.  In an effort to alleviate some of the burden on our liquor license holders, the 2020-2021 license year has been extended to June 30, 2021.  Accordingly, provided current license holders obtain a 2021-2022 license by that date, they will not be charged a late fee. Additionally, some license and application fees have been reduced for the 2021-2022 license year, please click here to see these reductions.  For a complete list of the Cook County Financial Relief Package please click here. 

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, any person who holds a valid current Cook County retailer’s liquor license may apply for a temporary beer garden license for that location.

• Applicants must complete an application available under the download section.
• Temporary beer garden licenses will be effective until December 31, 2021. The fee for a temporary beer garden license is $300.00. Payment must be remitted at the time of the filing of the application. Applicants may also apply for a temporary beer garden special late license, subject to the requirements of Section 6-34 of the Cook County Liquor Control Act. There is no fee for a temporary beer garden special late license.
• For the temporary beer garden license only, the notice requirements are not required. However, those notice requirements must still be followed by any applicant applying for a regular beer garden license, even if the applicant has or previously had a temporary beer garden license.

Applicants must comply with all other Sections of the Cook County Liquor Control Act and applicable County ordinances. A temporary beer garden license will not be issued without the approval of the Cook County Department of Building and Zoning and the Cook County Department of Public Health.

Mission

The Cook County Liquor Control Commission regulates licensing and sale of alcohol in unincorporated Cook County Illinois.

Ordinance

The Liquor Control Commission is presided over by the President of the Cook County Board of Commissioners who is the local Liquor Commissioner by virtue of State Statute 235ILCS 5/4-2. The Liquor Commissioner appoints persons to assist in the exercise of powers and duties authorized by State Statute 235 ILCS/ 4-1 to 4-7, and County ordinance, code of ordinances, Cook County Illinois Chapter 6 relating to alcoholic liquor.