Liquor Licenses

The City of Mt. Vernon regulates the sale of alcoholic liquor within city limits. A valid liquor license is required for anyone selling, offering, or displaying alcoholic beverages at retail.

Key Information

  • Type of License: Retailer’s license, specific to the licensed premises.

  • Duration: Licenses expire annually on April 30. A license is not transferable, inheritable, or considered property.

  • Inspections: Licensed premises are subject to inspection by the Building Inspector.

  • Occupancy Requirement: A valid Certificate of Occupancy is required before a license becomes effective.

  • Construction/Remodeling: Building permits and compliance are required for any alterations to licensed premises.

For complete requirements, please review the full ordinance .

If you have questions, please contact the City Clerk’s Office.

Applying For A Liquor License

New License

To apply for a new liquor license download and submit the completed application to the City Clerks Office at City Hall. 

You must include payment of all fees and the following documentation:

  • Proof of residence within the city (individual, partners, or corporate manager)
  • Copy of deed or lease valid through the license year
  • For corporations: Certificate of Incorporation (new) or Certificate of Good Standing (existing)
  • If an existing corporation, a copy of the Certificate of Good Standing from SOS.
  • For out-of-state corporations: Certificate authorizing business in Illinois
  • Retailer Occupation Tax Number
  • Certificate of Dram Shop Liability Insurance ($1,000,000.00 minimum, valid through the license year)
  • Certificate of Occupancy (for new or remodeled businesses)

Applications are reviewed by the Local Liquor Control Commissioner and, if applicable, the Mt. Vernon Liquor Advisory Board. If approved, a license will be issued. If denied, fees will be returned.

Renewing A License

To renew, submit the renewal application to the City Clerks Office along with:

  • Certificate of Dram Shop Liability Insurance ($1,000,000.00 minimum)
  • Proof of Resident Manager's residency and driver's license
  • Documentation for any changes that were made since the original application

Available Licenses

Use the accordion list below to view available license types, their fees, and what each license permits.

Fee: $2,000.00 Annually

Allows:

  • Manufacture of beer
  • Consumption and package sales of beer 
  • Video gaming terminals

 

Fee: $500.00 Annually (less than 500 members) 
        $2,000.00 Annually (over 500 members)

Allows:

  • Consumption and package sales (all alcoholic liquor)
  • Video gaming terminals

*Restaurant or Restaurant with Lounge Liquor License Holders Only

Fee: $100.00 Annually

Allows:

  • Consumption sales

Downloadable Application

Online Application

Fee: $2,000.00 Annually

Allows:

  • Consumption sales (all alcoholic liquor)
  • Video gaming terminals

*207 S. 7th Street and right-of-way upon 9th Street between Broadway and Casey Avenue

Fee: $100.00 Daily
        $500.00 Annually

Allows:

  • Consumption sales (beer and wine)
  • Paper, plastic and/or styrofoam containers only

Hotel

Fee: $2,000.00 Annually

 

Hotel Patron

Fee: $800.00 Annually

Allows:

  • Consumption (all alcoholic liquor)
  • Video gaming terminals

*Must be within 3/4 mile radius of interchanges

Fee: $2,000.00 Annually

Allows:

  • Consumption sales (beer and wine)
  • Video gaming terminals

Fee: $2,000.00 Annually

Allows:

  • Consumption (all liquor)
  • Video gaming terminals

*one license per person/entity unless licensed before 8/21/2017

Package Sales

Fee: $2,000.00 Annually

Allows:

  • Package sales (all alcoholic liquor)

Fee: $4,000.00 Annually

Allows:

  • Package sales (all alcoholic liquors)
  • Consumption sales (beer and wine)
  • Video gaming terminals 

 

Package Sales Beer and Wine

Fee: $2,000.00 Annually

Allows:

  • Package sales (beer and wine)

Restaurant Beer and Wine

Fee: $800.00 Annually

Allows:

  • Consumption sales (beer and wine)
  • Video gaming terminals

 

Restaurant with Lounge

Fee: $2,000.00 Annually

Allows:

  • Consumption sales (all alcoholic liquor)
  • Video gaming terminals

*primary sales are not the sale of alcoholic beverages or food

Fee: $2,000.00 Annually

Allows:

  • Consumption sales (beer and wine)
  • Consumption sales (all alcoholic liquor) during events with Temporary Special Event Permit
  • Paper, plastic and/or styrofoam containers only

Fee: $3,000.00 Annually

Allows:

  • Consumption and package sales (all alcoholic liquor)
  • Video gaming terminals

Temporary Special Event (not for profit only)

Fee: $50.00 Daily

Allows:

  • Consumption sales (all alcoholic liquor)
  • Paper, plastic and/or styrofoam containers only
  • 3 permits per organization/calendar year
  • 6 permits per premise/calendar year

Downloadable Application

Temporary Special Event Permit (must have current liquor license)

Fee: $100.00 Daily

Allows:

  • Consumption sales (all alcoholic liquor)
  • Paper, plastic and/or styrofoam containers only
  • 26 daily permits a calendar year

Downloadable Application

Temporary Special Use Wine Makers (must have Wine Makers Retail License)

Fee: $50.00 Daily

Allows: 

  • consumption sales of wine
  • 3 permits per premise/calendar year

Downloadable Application

Fee: $2,000.00 Annually

Allows:

  • Manufacture of wine
  • Consumption sales (beer and wine)
  • Package sales (wine)
  • Video gaming terminals

If you have any questions about applications, fees, or required documents, please contact the City Clerk’s Office.

Contact Information

City Clerk Office
1100 Main Street
Mt. Vernon, IL 68264
See on map: Google Maps

Office Hours
Monday - Friday
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Phone: (618) 242-6815
Fax: (618) 242-6867

City Clerk
Becky Barbour
Email: city.clerk@mtvernon.com