Permit guides › Chicago › CHI-TR-05

Late Hour Liquor License: Chicago restaurant guide

Chicago BACP

What it is

A secondary license that lets COP and Tavern licensees stay open later.

When a restaurant needs it

Serving alcohol past standard liquor hours.

How to apply

Apply through BACP once you hold, or alongside, a COP or Tavern license.

Documents you’ll need

Fee
$6,000 + $40 publication fee (2-year license)
Processing time
Varies; moratoriums may apply
Renewal
Every 2 years
Who files
The liquor licensee files.

Good to know

Allows operation until 4 a.m. Monday–Saturday and 5 a.m. Sunday. Check whether a Late Hour moratorium covers your area before counting on it.

Official source

BACP — classes of liquor licenses

Get your personalized Chicago permit plan

Answer a few questions about your space and get every permit in order, with a timeline, a cost range, walkthroughs, and every application filled in for you to sign with Open.

Build my free plan

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