Retail Food Establishment License: Chicago restaurant guide

Chicago BACP

What it is

The city business license every restaurant needs to sell food. It is issued only after the location passes a CDPH health inspection.

When a restaurant needs it

Every restaurant, café, bakery or bar. The Chicago Food Code defines a retail food establishment to include taverns, bars, cocktail lounges and nightclubs, and 'food' includes alcoholic beverages.

How to apply

Apply online through Chicago Business Direct or in person at the Small Business Center (City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St., Room 800). Zoning review comes first, then the health inspection.

Documents you’ll need

Government photo ID for all controlling persons
State registration and EIN
IDOR account ID
Lease or proof of ownership
Site plan and interior layout
Certificate of insurance

Fee

2-year license by area: 0–1,000 sq ft $660; 1,001–2,500 sq ft $940; 2,501–4,500 sq ft $1,110; 4,501–10,000 sq ft $1,320; over 10,000 sq ft $1,650

Processing time

Varies — depends on passing the health inspection

Renewal

Every 2 years (DOB does a restaurant inspection at renewal)

Who files

The owner applies; a licensed expediter or attorney may assist.

Good to know

At least one employee must hold a City of Chicago Food Service Sanitation Certificate before the inspection. Restaurants without a liquor license may allow BYOB but cannot charge for it.

Official source

BACP — Retail Food Establishment license · BACP — applying for a business license

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