All liquor license applicants in Illinois are required to provide a Financial Responsibility Bond for Liquor. This is a type of surety bond that guarantee that the licensee will pay all taxes and fees due to the Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) on liquor sales. The bond also protects consumers from financial losses that may occur as a result of the licensee’s negligence or misconduct.
The bond amount is set by the IDOR and varies depending on the type of liquor license and the estimated annual liquor sales. The following are the minimum bond amounts for different types of liquor licenses:
- Retail liquor license: $5,000
- Restaurant liquor license: $10,000
- Hotel liquor license: $15,000
- Manufacturer’s liquor license: $20,000
- Distributor’s liquor license: $25,000
How to get a Financial Responsibility Bond for Liquor
At Surety1.com we make it easy to obtain this surety bond. Our simple, three step process is:
- Complete the easy to navigate and secure online application. 1
- Review the free, no obligation quote from one of Surety1’s professional surety bond agents, usually within one business day.
- Sign some paperwork and pay the bond premium
Once these steps have been completed, the Financial Responsibility Bond for Liquor. will be shipped to the bond applicant.
1 -The name of the applicant on the surety bond application must match exactly the full legal business name of applicant for the license.
Surety1.com is a service of AssuredPartners one of the largest and fastest growing insurance agencies in the nation. Representing over a dozen surety bond companies, Surety1.com is the premier online provider of surety bonds nationwide since 2003.
How to get a liquor license in Illinois:
You must first determine what type of license you need. There are four main types of liquor licenses in Illinois:
- Retail liquor license: This license allows you to sell liquor for consumption off-premises.
- Restaurant liquor license: This license allows you to sell liquor for consumption on-premises, but only in conjunction with food service.
- Hotel liquor license: This license allows you to sell liquor for consumption on-premises in a hotel or motel.
- Manufacturer’s liquor license: This license allows you to manufacture and sell liquor.
- Distributor’s liquor license: This license allows you to distribute liquor to retailers.
Once you have determined what type of license you need, you must apply to the Illinois Liquor Control Commission (ILCC). The application process can be complex, so it is important to carefully review the ILCC’s website and/or consult with an attorney.
In general, the following steps are involved in the liquor license application process:
- Complete the application form. The application form is available on the ILCC’s website.
- Pay the application fee. The application fee varies depending on the type of license you are applying for.
- Provide supporting documentation. The supporting documentation required will vary depending on the type of license you are applying for, but may include:
- A copy of your business license
- A copy of your lease or deed
- A floor plan of your premises
- A list of your employees
- A list of your suppliers
- A criminal background check
- Attend a hearing. Once your application has been reviewed by the ILCC, you may be required to attend a hearing. The hearing is an opportunity for the ILCC to ask you questions about your application and to hear any objections from the public.
- Obtain a Financial Responsibility Bond for Liquor. If your application is approved, you will need to obtain a bond from a surety company. The bond amount will vary depending on the type of license you are granted.
Once you have obtained a liquor license, you must comply with all state liquor laws and regulations. Failure to comply with the law may result in the suspension or revocation of your license.
Here are some additional tips for getting a liquor license in Illinois:
- Be prepared to spend time and money. The liquor license application process can be time-consuming and expensive.
- Get organized. Keep all of your paperwork in order and be prepared to submit it to the ILCC promptly.
- Be honest and transparent. The ILCC will review your application carefully and will investigate any discrepancies.
- Hire an attorney. If you are unfamiliar with the liquor license application process, it is a good idea to hire an attorney to assist you.
I hope this information is helpful. If you have any questions, contact the Illinois Liquor Control Commission.
How to Get Your Illinois Financial Responsibility Bond for Liquor
- Complete an online application. It’s free and no-obligation.
- One of our surety experts will contact you with a firm quote and an agreement to sign.
- Provide payment and your signed agreement, and then you will receive your Surety Bond!
If you have any questions, please call us at 877-654-2327.
Surety1 was founded in 2003 and helps thousands of clients find the best prices on their surety bonds. We take pride in our work so that we can give you great service. Learn more about Surety1.