Business Liquor Licenses
The City of Champaign uses an online portal to process these types of liquor-related applications:
- Original application (new business liquor license)
- Annual liquor license renewals
- Temporary liquor licenses
- Change of ownership of premises
- Change of license category
- Change in form of ownership
- Expansion of premises
- Transfer of location
- Adding an additional owner
- Other license types and forms (BYOB, Keg, Music Venue, Teen Event).
The City’s online liquor licensing portal provides a convenient, paperless process where an application and associated documents are submitted through a secure website portal. Through the portal, applicants can easily check the status of their application, ask and answer application questions, and submit additional information or documentation required by the City. Application and license fee payments can also be completed online.
Before proceeding with an application, please gather the following information, which must be submitted as part of your application. Some items (i.e. public health permit) can be submitted at a later date, but are required before a liquor license application can be approved.
- Proof of property ownership (deed, lease)
- Secretary of State’s Business Registration or Articles of Incorporation (required of corporate applicants)
- Floor and site plans (must be prepared with an architect’s seal)
- Certificate of insurance (including dram shop insurance with the City of Champaign listed as an additional insured)
- Public Health Permit from Champaign-Urbana Public Health District
- Use of Force Policy (view a sample policy)
- Live Scan Criminal Background Check
- Application fee payment.
After all required application materials are submitted, please allow the City three weeks to fully review and process your application.
