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Caterer's Liquor License: Chicago restaurant guide

Chicago BACP

What it is

Lets a restaurant or caterer serve food and alcohol off-site at events within Chicago.

When a restaurant needs it

Off-site catering with alcohol anywhere in the City of Chicago (your Retail Food license already covers catering food).

How to apply

Apply through BACP; you need a valid City Retail Food Establishment license.

Documents you’ll need

Fee
$4,400 ($2,200 for COP holders) + $40 publication fee (2-year license)
Processing time
Varies
Renewal
Every 2 years
Who files
The licensee files.

Good to know

Caterers are listed by BACP among the businesses that need a Retail Food Establishment license, so food-only catering from your licensed kitchen needs no extra city license. Selling packaged food to other businesses is different: that needs the Wholesale Food Establishment license.

Official source

BACP — classes of liquor licenses

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Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Guidance only, not legal advice.