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Liquor Licensing
The City Clerk’s Office is responsible for issuing Liquor Licenses to businesses within Peoria's city limits.
Important to Note:
- State License: Obtain the City Liquor License before applying for the State of Illinois Liquor License.
- Application Locations: Liquor License information and application forms can be obtained online (below), as well as in person at the City's Clerk's Office, Room 401, at City Hall.
To schedule an appointment or to ask questions about the application process, contact the City Clerk's Office.
The Site Approval Application is required if the location has never held a liquor license, if the previous license for that location was surrendered or expired for 90 days or more. If you are unsure whether a location has previously held a liquor license or if it is within the 90-day period, please contact the City Clerk's Office for assistance.
Site Application Deadline: Submit completed site applications at least 45 days before the scheduled Liquor Commission Meeting.
When applying for a City of Peoria Liquor License as a Corporation or LLC, submit all required documents to the City Clerk’s Office, Room 401, City Hall. The location must have a valid Site Approval (see Step 1) in order to apply for the liquor license. Applications may be filed while the Health Department application is in process.
For Class K-1 Licenses Only: K-1 Application and K-1 Affidavit
For Class K-2 Licenses Only: K-2 Application
When applying as a Partnership, all partners must be City residents. Submit all required documents to the City Clerk’s Office, Room 401, City Hall. The location must have a valid Site Approval (see Step 1), or you must apply for both the Site Approval and liquor license at the same time. Applications may be filed while the Health Department application is in process.
When applying as an Individual, submit all required documents to the City Clerk’s Office, Room 401, City Hall. The location must have a valid Site Approval, or you must apply for both the Site Approval and liquor license at the same time. Applications may be filed while the Health Department application is in process.
Liquor License Subclasses are optional add-ons to a standard liquor license that, if approved, provide additional privileges such as later closing times, beer gardens, tastings, and other special allowances. These are available in addition to satisfying the requirements of Steps 1 and 2.
| Subclass 1 | Instructions | Application | 4:00 AM |
| Subclass 1A | Instructions | Application | 2:00 AM |
| Subclass 2 | Application | Live Entertainment | |
| Subclass 3 | Application | Beer Garden | |
| Subclass 4 | Note it on your Application* | Hotel Event Space | |
| Subclass 5 | Application | Teen Night | |
| Subclass 6 | Application | Product Tasting | |
| Subclass 7 | Note it on your Application* | Temporary Locations | |
| Subclass 8 | Application | Private Function on Public Property | |
| Subclass 9 | Note it on your Application* | Farmer's Market | |
| Subclass 10 | Instructions | Application Affidavit | Restaurants Off-Premise Catering |
| Subclass 11 | Application | Off-site Outdoor Events | |
| Subclass 12 | Application | Grocery Store Restaurant | |
*This Liquor License Subclass does not require a separate application. Simply note your requested subclass on your site approval and/or liquor license application.
Temporary liquor licenses are available to not-for-profit organizations active for at least nine months. Applicants can choose Class F for indoor alcohol sales and consumption, Class H for outdoor sales at approved events, or Class H-1 for beer and wine only.
Timeline:
Renewal packets are mailed in early December. All renewal paperwork must be completed and submitted to the City Clerk's Office by January 31st. If the renewal is not received by the deadline, there will be a $20.00 per business day late fee up to $400.00. Renewals are usually mailed out to licensed establishments and/or Corporations in mid-February.
Payment:
Before bringing your renewal paperwork to the City Clerk's Office, take your invoice for payment to the City Treasurer's Office in Room 100 on the first floor of City Hall. For manager/officer changes, license amendments, or questions about online payment options, email Trina Bonds.
Required Documents:
- City Treasurer Receipt of Renewal Payment
- Updated Liquor Bond or Bond Waiver (if applicable)
- Corporate Annual Report filed with the Secretary of State (Certificate of Good Standing is also acceptable)
- Certificate of Liability Insurance (Liquor Liability)
- Lease (if applicable)
All documents and payments must cover the license through the end of the next liquor license year.
The following apply to officer changes or management updates:
- Corporation Officer Change Form
- Corporate Structure Change (NO Name Change)
- New Manager Instructions
- Manager Data Form
- Fingerprint Instructions
- Schedule I Form
- Schedule III Form
The following apply to Caterers:
For other City Licensing, visit Accounts Receivable.
For City Permits, see Permits.