In August 2024, the City launched an easy, new online process for liquor license applications and renewals. Through OpenGov, those interested in getting a liquor license for any type of business or temporary event can now easily apply wholly online. This paperless process is more environmentally friendly, allows applicants to easily check on the status of their application and submit additional documentation, and allows licensees to securely pay licensing fees via online banking or credit card. Multiple City departments worked with OpenGov for more than a year to develop the platform, including staff in the Finance Department, City Manager’s Office, and Information Technologies Department.
Along with this move to an online licensing process, the City transitioned the liquor license renewal and application process to the Finance Department, which processes several other City licenses. While the Liquor Commissioner’s Office still has an active role in the review and approval of all liquor licenses, including enforcement, the Finance Department has taken the lead on liquor license inquiries and processing.
To learn more about liquor licensing, visit champaignil.gov/liquor-commissioner.