Fee: $2,000.00 Annually
Allows:
- Manufacture of beer
- Consumption and package sales of beer
- Video gaming terminals
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
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Type of License: Retailer’s license, specific to the licensed premises.
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Duration: Licenses expire annually on April 30. A license is not transferable, inheritable, or considered property.
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Inspections: Licensed premises are subject to inspection by the Building Inspector.
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Occupancy Requirement: A valid Certificate of Occupancy is required before a license becomes effective.
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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: $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
Downtown Sidewalk Dining Liquor License*
*Restaurant or Restaurant with Lounge Liquor License Holders Only
Fee: $100.00 Annually
Allows:
- Consumption sales
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
Package Sales and Package Sales Beer and Wine*
*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 and Restaurant with Lounge
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
Tavern (Package and Consumption Sales)
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
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
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
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.