What licenses and permits are required to open a restaurant in Illinois?

Opening a restaurant in Illinois requires a series of steps and the acquisition of several licenses and permits. These include registering your business with the Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR), obtaining a Chicago Food Service Sanitation Certificate (if applicable), getting zoning and location approval, applying for building permits, and completing the license application for a retail food establishment. 

If you plan to serve alcohol, you will need a Liquor License. If your restaurant will be serving eggs, you need to be licensed under the Illinois Egg and Egg Products Act. Environmental and public health considerations may also require you to obtain a Water Pollution Control Permit and a Certificate of Free Sale.

1. Business Registration with Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR)

• Purpose: To legally establish your business in the state of Illinois.
• How to Register: You can register your business with the IDOR through the Business Tax Registration Online service. You can file your Illinois Business Registration Application online with MyTax Illinois. If you have employees, you may also need to register for the W-2 Transmitter Registration.

2. Chicago Food Service Sanitation Certificate

• Purpose: To ensure that your restaurant adheres to food safety and sanitation standards.
• How to Register: You will need to fill out Illinois’ Restaurant Start-up Worksheet.

3. Zoning and Location Approval

• Purpose: To ensure that your proposed business location is in an appropriately zoned area and complies with your Municipal Code.
• How to Register: You can apply for this approval with your city government.

4. Building Permits

• Purpose: If construction or alterations are necessary for your restaurant, you will need to obtain building permits.
• How to Register: You can apply for these permits with your city government.

5. Retail Food Establishment License

• Purpose: This license is required for all restaurants to operate legally.
• How to Register: Submit your completed application for a retail food establishment license to BACP either online or in-person.

6. Liquor License

• Purpose: If you plan to serve alcohol at your restaurant, you will need to obtain a Liquor License.
• How to Register: The Illinois Liquor Control Commission (ILCC) provides Liquor License Forms and Applications online. You can also renew your Illinois Liquor License and submit brand registrations electronically through MyTaxIllinois.

7. Illinois Egg and Egg Products Act License

• Purpose: If your restaurant will be serving eggs, you need to be licensed under the Illinois Egg and Egg Products Act.
• How to Register: You can apply for this license with the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA).

8. Water Pollution Control Permit

• Purpose: If your restaurant discharges wastewater to Illinois streams and lakes, you may need to obtain a Water Pollution Control Permit.
• How to Register: You can apply for this permit from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA).

9. Certificate of Free Sale

• Purpose: For public health considerations, you may need to obtain a Certificate of Free Sale from the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH).
• How to Register: IDPH issues Certificates of Free Sale to Illinois Food and Dairy Manufacturers, Processors, Warehousers and Packers and other facilities which the Division of Food, Drugs and Dairies inspects, permits or surveys.

For more detailed information, you can visit the following links:

• City of Chicago Restaurant Start-up Guide
• Illinois Department of Revenue
• Illinois Department of Public Health
• Retail Food Protection Industry Educational Materials 
• Voluntary National Retail Food Regulatory Program Standards

Learn more about local food delivery trends and insights:

• Food Delivery Trends And Restaurant Insights