Illinois Liquor Control Commission
COVID-19 Related Action
Guidance on Temporary Delivery of Alcoholic Liquor
Updated October 26, 2020
Liquor Delivery for Restaurants, Bars, Grocery Stores, and Brew Pubs
Delivery Authorization
Due to the hardships on liquor license holders as a result of the COVID-19 virus outbreak and in an effort to limit gatherings at a single business location, the Illinois Liquor Control Commission temporarily authorizes the delivery of alcoholic liquor to non-licensees under the following conditions:
- All licensed retailers, including on-premises only licensees, are authorized to conduct “to go”sales, curbside deliveries, and home residential deliveries. (“Temporary Deliveries”).
- A Brewer, class 1 brewer, class 2 brewer, class 1 craft distiller, class 2 craft distiller, brew pub, distilling pub, and wine-maker premises license holders (“Temporary Delivery Licensees”) shall have the limited authority to make Temporary Deliveries of alcoholic liquor in the original package (or growlers and crowlers pursuant to 235 ILCS 5/6-6.5 if applicable). All Temporary Delivery Licensees shall hold necessary local and state licenses to conduct retail alcoholic liquor sales.
- License retailers and Temporary Delivery Licensees shall not conduct Temporary Deliveries of alcoholic liquor they are not normally authorized to sell to non-licensees.
- Except for the delivery of “To Go” Mixed Drinks or Cocktails, licensed retailers and Temporary Delivery Licensees may use third party delivery services to make local Temporary Deliveries. Temporary Deliveries shall be limited to local deliveries. The intrastate or interstate shipment of Temporary Deliveries through a common carrier is prohibited.
- All Temporary Delivery Licensees may make sales and deliveries of alcoholic liquor in the original package and of beer (for a manufacturer of beer) pursuant to 235 ILCS 5/6-6.5 (growlers/crowlers) only.
- Off-premises only license retailers may make sales and deliveries of alcoholic liquor in the original package only.
- On-premises or Combined licensed retailers may make sales and deliveries of alcoholic liquor in the original package, of beer pursuant to 235 ILCS 5/6-6.5 (growlers/crowlers), and of “to go” mixed drinks and cocktails pursuant to the guidelines set forth in Commission bulletin titled “Sales and Delivery of ‘To Go’ Mixed Drinks or Cocktails” dated June 2, 2020.
- All Temporary Deliveries made to a residence or to a curbside vehicle shall require the delivery representative to observe the appearance of the delivery recipient at a safe social distance, and if necessary, require the examination of the recipient identification to ensure the recipient is over twenty-one and not intoxicated. If such observation of the recipient or recipient identification cannot be accomplished while respecting safe social distancing or with the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment, the alcoholic liquor shall be returned with a full refund.
Alcoholic liquor deliveries made under the conditions set forth herein are temporary and are not generally authorized by the Illinois Liquor Control Act or Illinois Liquor Control Commission Rules. All Temporary Delivery authorizations are for the purpose of promoting safe social distancing and shall be rescinded upon the termination of COVID-19 emergency restrictions.
All authorizations set forth herein are subject to the approval of the local liquor control commission and/or local ordinances.