BYOB-1 (Restaurant)

Print Feedback

Font Size: + -

Thank you for your interest in obtaining a BYOB-1 (Restaurant) Liquor License in the City of Bloomington! We’re excited to work with you.

This application should only be submitted by restaurants that DO NOT currently have a City liquor license. It allows BYOB licensed businesses to let customers who are 21 or older bring their own alcohol to drink on the business’ premises, subject to conditions provided in § 6-112A(1) of the Bloomington City Code.

NOTE: A restaurant is a place open to the public where meals are regularly prepared and served. It must have seating for customers, clean and adequate kitchen and dining areas, and enough staff to cook and serve full meals.

Application Process

Welcome! We’re glad you’re interested in obtaining a BYOB-1 Liquor License in the City of Bloomington. To help guide you through the process, we’ve outlined each step below so you’ll know what to expect from application to final approval.

Step 1: Submit Application
Submit a completed application and all required documents.

Step 2: Receive Invoice
A City Clerk staff member will email an invoice for:

$100 application fee; and
$91 background check fee per owner/applicant

Step 3: Pay Fees
Once all fees are paid, your application moves into departmental review.

Step 4: Application Review

Departments review your application.
- You will be emailed if additional information or clarification is needed. If you do not receive an email, your application is still under review.

Step 5:Post-Review Update
After all necessary departments review, you will receive an email with your application status and if everything looks good, an invoice for the license fee.

Step 6: Final Processing
After approval, you'll receive an email with an invoice for the license fee and information for how to pay.

Once the license fee is paid, the license will be emailed to you.

Step 7: Final Processing
Once you hold a City of Bloomington Liquor License, you must use that license to apply for a State of Illinois Liquor License. Once you hold both a Local and State license, you are permitted to sell/serve as your license permits.

Helpful Documents

To support you during the application process, we’ve provided the documents below. Please review them before submitting a new license application.

BYOB FAQ & Cheat Sheet - This document has information regarding this license type that can help you decide if the license is right for you!

Application Document Checklist - This document includes a checklist of all items required for your application.

Financial Statement Form - This Financial Statement Form can be used as a helpful reference for applicants to see what information needs to be submitted.

Example Certificate of Liquor Liability - This example shows what needs to be included on your Certificate of Liquor Liability (DRAM) when you submit it.

Example Bond - This example shows what needs to be included on your Bond when you submit it.

Regulations

The following applies to business who hold this license type:

BYOB‑1 is only allowed when patrons are also buying and eating a meal.
Each person may bring up to one 750 ml bottle of wine, 36 ounces of beer, or 3 ounces of spirits.
BYOB‑1 is allowed only within the licensed premises.
Licensees may provide glassware and ice, and may uncork, pour, serve, or otherwise control alcohol consumption. (Note this is not a City requirement)
Any employee serving alcohol or checking IDs must have the training required by state and local laws.
No one under 21 may possess or drink alcohol.
Establishments with a BYOB‑1 license may not have video gaming.

Application Supplemental Documentation

For your application to be considered complete, the form must be fully filled out and all required documents must be attached to the online application. Missing or incomplete items will delay your application review. If anything is missing or incorrect, you will receive an email explaining what needs to be corrected.

Before you start this application, please look over the BYOB-1 Liquor License Document Checklist. This will help you make sure you have all the required documents ready to upload to this application.

Required Documents for Submission (must be attached to your application)

Owner/Manager Information List - Must include for each person:
- Full legal name
- Title/relationship to business
- Personal email
- Date of birth
- Personal address
- Percentage of ownership/stock
Driver’s License Copies (front only) - Required for all applicants, owners, partners, officers with over 20% interest and all general managers. Photo must be clear and fully visible.
Premises Verification - If leased: upload current Lease Agreement showing entity/owner name, full address (including suite/unit), and term dates. If owned: no upload required.
For LLCs and Corporations - Articles of Incorporation (Corp) or Articles of Organization (LLC)
Financial Statement - The Statement must show the assets, liabilities, and capital, if any, for all Applicants, Owners, Partners, Officers, etc. with over 20% interes
- You can use this form: Financial Statement Form
Computer‑Generated Site/Floor Plan - The plan must be drawn to scale and must:
- Show exits, entrances, restrooms, and any other identifying features of the premises;
- Be labeled to show where alcohol will be stored and sold/served; and
- Include the ENTIRE proposed premises you wish to be included in the Liquor License.
Certificate of Liability Insurance (not the policy declarations) - Must include:
- Applicant’s name
- DBA/Assumed name (if applicable)
- Establishment address
- Coverage dates and limits
- City of Bloomington listed as Additional Insured
- Certificate Holder: City of Bloomington, 115 E. Washington St., Bloomington, IL 61701

Example Certificate of Liquor Liability Insurance: Example DRAM Document

$2,000 Surety Bond - Must include:
- Entity/individual name
- DBA (if applicable)
- Entity/Establishment address
- Bond number
- Term dates
- Obligee: City of Bloomington
BASSET Certifications - A List of those who are BASSET Certified must be provided (Must include the General Manager)
- The list must include:
  - Name;
  - Title;
  - Certificate Number; and
  - Date Certified.

Note that the actual certificates do not need to be submitted, but should be held on site in the event the City or State requests them during inspections.

Required to be Submitted Online (NOT attached to your application)

Tax Forms – Must be Submitted Online. Local Tax Information can be found on the City’s website at https://www.bloomingtonil.gov/departments/finance/local-tax-information
- Amusement Tax – Required for establishments that will offer events where amusement is exhibitive in nature, meaning it is viewed in exchange for payment of a fee or charge.
  - Includes Cover Charges or Tickets sold

Items Checked Internally (NO documents should be uploaded)

Entities must be in Good Standing with the State of Illinois
No outstanding amounts owed to the City (taxes, utilities, legal fees, general billing, backflow or cross‑connection reports)
$100 application fee and background investigation fee must be paid by the deadline in the invoice email.

Associated Fees

Before license application review can begin, the applicant must pay the following Application and Background Investigation Fees:

Application Fee: $100
Investigation Fee (per person listed under ownership): $91*

*In addition to the background investigation fee listed above, the Applicant Entity will be responsible for any extra fees that may be assessed during the background investigation process. Additional fees could include fees from courts, government agencies, or other third parties that charge for access to records. If any additional fees apply, the applicant will receive an email with updated invoice information. Note that payment of any additional fees is required before a license can be issued.

If approved, each entity is required to pay the following annual license fee:

License Fee: $250

City of Bloomington, Illinois

Popular Searches

How Do I

BYOB-1 (Restaurant)