Illinois Beer Buying Hours: When Can You Buy?

Illinois has a thriving craft beer scene, and while there are restrictions, the sale and distribution of alcoholic beverages are allowed. The state's alcohol laws generally comply with federal standards, but there are specific provisions to be aware of. For example, the legal drinking age is 21, and alcohol sales are typically allowed from 6 or 7 am to 2 am the following day, with some establishments serving until 3 am with a special license.

However, individual municipalities may have specific regulations, and some areas may have earlier closing times. For instance, alcohol sales on Sundays are prohibited before 11 am, and local authorities may impose further restrictions.

The time and type of liquor that can be purchased also vary depending on the city or village. On-premise and off-premise hours differ, and grocery stores usually only sell liquor for off-premise consumption.

On- and off-premise drinking laws

Illinois has clear guidelines for when alcohol can be bought and consumed on- and off-premises. The specific times vary depending on the day of the week and the type of establishment.

On-Premise Drinking Laws

On-premise drinking laws refer to the hours during which alcohol can be consumed within the premises of a licensed establishment, such as a bar or restaurant. In Illinois, the on-premise drinking laws are as follows:

• Monday to Friday: 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.
• Saturday: 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m.
• Sunday: 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.

These laws apply to establishments with a Consumption or Tavern License. It's important to note that the legal opening time for all liquor establishments is 7:00 a.m. from Monday to Saturday and 11:00 a.m. on Sunday. Restaurants or Tavern licensees with a Retail Food License can start selling liquor at 9:00 a.m. on Sundays.

Bars and restaurants in Illinois can serve beer, wine, and liquor during the specified on-premise hours. They can also offer happy hours, providing discounted alcoholic beverages for up to 15 hours a week, divided by 4 hours a day.

Off-Premise Drinking Laws

Off-premise drinking laws refer to the hours during which alcohol can be purchased from a retailer and consumed elsewhere. In Illinois, the off-premise drinking laws are as follows:

• Monday to Friday: 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.
• Saturday: 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m.
• Sunday: 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.

These hours apply to retailers such as liquor stores, grocery stores, and package stores. Alcohol must be purchased in its original packaging and is intended for off-premise consumption only.

Grocery stores in Illinois can sell beer, wine, and liquor within the specified off-premise hours. Gas stations can also sell beer and wine during these hours, but only in their original packaging and for off-premises consumption.

It's worth noting that the sale of alcohol on Sundays before 11:00 a.m. is prohibited in Illinois, and local authorities may impose further restrictions. Additionally, the specific times for on- and off-premise drinking may vary depending on the city or village within Illinois.

Alcohol delivery laws

Alcohol Delivery to Residences

Illinois law permits the delivery of alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine, and liquor, directly to residential addresses. This change was implemented through House Bill 54, which amended the Liquor Control Act of 1934. The bill allows third-party facilitators to deliver alcohol purchased from retailers to customers' homes or other designated locations. However, the individual receiving the order must be at least 21 years old, and their age must be verified upon delivery. This legislation was enacted to support Illinois restaurants and bars that faced financial challenges during the pandemic due to the closure of indoor dining.

Timing of Alcohol Delivery

The specific timing of alcohol delivery in Illinois depends on the day of the week and the location within the state. Generally, alcohol delivery is permitted within the off-premise hours designated for the particular city or village. Typically, deliveries can start as early as 6:00 or 7:00 a.m. on weekdays, with some areas also allowing early morning deliveries on Fridays and Saturdays. The closing time for deliveries can vary, usually falling between 10:00 p.m. and 1:00 a.m.

Retailer Requirements for Delivery

Retailers in Illinois have certain obligations when delivering alcoholic beverages. The delivery must be made by an employee of the retailer, which can include third-party facilitator licensees. The retailer or their employee must verify that the recipient is at least 21 years old. Additionally, if the retailer intends to serve the alcohol to the consumer, the employee providing the service must have completed the required responsible alcohol service server training.

Shipping of Alcoholic Beverages

The shipping of alcoholic beverages is subject to specific regulations in Illinois. Wine may be shipped by eligible industry members who hold a Winery Shipper's License. However, no provisions in Illinois allow suppliers to ship distilled spirits or malt beverages directly to residents. The movement of alcoholic liquor from a licensed retailer to a consumer is defined as "shipping" and must be done via a common carrier.

On-Premise and Off-Premise Hours

Illinois also has specific regulations for on-premise and off-premise alcohol consumption. On-premise hours refer to the times when alcohol can be consumed within the premises of bars and restaurants, while off-premise hours govern the purchase of alcohol from grocery stores and other retailers for consumption elsewhere. On-premise hours typically start as early as 5:00 or 7:00 a.m. on weekdays and noon on Sundays, with closing times varying from 8:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. Off-premise hours for grocery stores usually allow alcohol sales from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., but the exact times may differ depending on the area.

Liquor store opening hours

In Illinois, the sale of alcohol is permitted within a specific time window, which varies depending on the day of the week and the type of establishment. The legal opening time for all liquor establishments is 7 am, Monday through Saturday, and 11 am on Sunday.

For off-premise consumption, such as purchasing alcohol from liquor stores, grocery stores, and gas stations, sales are typically allowed from 7 am to 2 am, Monday through Friday, 7 am to 3 am on Saturday, and 8 am to 2 am on Sunday. However, grocery stores may have different operating hours, so it is advisable to check with the specific store or local regulations.

For on-premise consumption, such as drinking alcohol within the premises of bars and restaurants, sales are generally permitted from 7 am to 2 am, Monday through Friday, 7 am to 3 am on Saturday, and 11 am to 2 am on Sunday. Some areas may have different starting times, especially on Sundays, so it is important to be aware of the local laws in your jurisdiction.

Bars and restaurants with a Consumption or Tavern license can obtain a Late Hour Liquor License to extend their operating hours beyond the standard closing time of 2 am. With this license, establishments are permitted to remain open until 4 am, Monday through Saturday, and 5 am on Sunday.

It is worth noting that Illinois is not a dry state, and alcohol sales are allowed every day. However, individual municipalities may impose specific regulations, and some areas may enforce earlier closing times. Additionally, the sale of alcohol on Sundays before 11 am is prohibited in Illinois, and local authorities may impose further restrictions.

Sunday alcohol sales

On Sundays, the on-premise and off-premise hours for alcohol sales typically start later compared to other days of the week. In Chicago, the legal opening time for liquor establishments is 11 am on Sundays, and restaurants with a Tavern License can begin selling liquor at 9 am. Outside of Chicago, the hours may differ, with some areas allowing alcohol sales from 8 am onwards on Sundays.

For off-premise consumption, you can purchase alcohol from grocery and liquor stores on Sundays. The hours for off-premise sales vary, with some sources stating 8 am to 2 am and others mentioning 6 am to 11 am or 12 noon. On-premise retailers, such as bars and restaurants, usually have different hours on Sundays, often starting from 11 am or 12 noon and remaining open until 2 am or later with the appropriate license.

It's important to note that the specific times for alcohol sales on Sundays can differ across Illinois, and it's always a good idea to check the local regulations and business hours for the particular area you're in.

Alcohol laws for minors

In Illinois, the legal drinking age is 21, and it is illegal for minors to consume, possess, or purchase alcohol. These laws are in place to protect minors, who may not yet be able to make responsible choices about drinking. Minors who are found in possession of alcohol or drinking can face steep penalties, including fines of up to $500 and even jail time.

Underage Drinking

Underage drinking is prohibited in Illinois, with the exception of consumption by minors in their own homes, under parental supervision. Minors are allowed to serve alcohol in certain contexts, with the minimum age for on-premises servers and bartenders being 18 for beer, wine, and spirits.

Purchase and Possession

Minors are prohibited from purchasing or possessing alcohol in Illinois. If they do so, they may be charged with a criminal offence, such as underage consumption or possession, which can result in fines or even jail time.

False Identification

Using false identification to obtain alcohol is a criminal offence in Illinois. This includes the minor who uses the fake ID, as well as any individual who lends, transfers, manufactures, or distributes the false ID.

Open Containers

Illinois law prohibits open containers of alcohol in vehicles, with exceptions for passengers in vehicles used primarily for the transportation of persons for compensation, such as limousines and buses.

Social Host Laws

Illinois has two social host laws that impose liability on hosts who allow underage drinking on their property. This includes parents or guardians who knowingly permit underage drinking in their homes, cars, or any other property under their control.

Consequences for Adults

Adults who provide alcohol to minors can also face serious penalties. This includes selling or serving alcohol to minors, allowing minors to consume alcohol at private residences, or purchasing alcohol and then giving it to minors. Fines can range from $500 to $1,000, and individuals may face jail time of up to one year.

Defenses

In some cases, individuals charged with furnishing alcohol to minors may have legal defences available. For example, a person may have been led to believe that the minor was of legal drinking age, or a parent may not have been aware that underage drinking was occurring on their property.

Frequently asked questions