What Time Can You Buy Alcohol in Illinois? 2023 Beer Laws

Last Updated on July 27, 2023 by Lydia Martin

If you’re new or planning to spend a vacation in the state of Illinois, you must know some of the restrictions, especially when it comes to alcohol. 

But what time can you buy alcohol in Illinois? If you’re not aware of the current rules in the state, refer to this quick guide to avoid penalties and fines.    

When Can You Buy Alcohol In Illinois? 

You can buy alcohol in Illinois every day but within a specific time window. The time and type of liquor you can buy varies depending on the city or village. 

Every day of the week, there are on- and off-premise hours depending on the city or village you’re in. 

Overview On The Alcohol Laws In Illinois 

Delivery

Alcohol delivery is allowed every day within the specific off-premise hours, depending on the city or village. 

Starting Time

Starting time varies, but usually, it starts at 6:00 am to 8 am, Monday to Thursday. 

This time extends to Friday and Saturday in some parts of Illinois, while other areas have different starting times from Friday to Sunday.  

Closing Time

The closing time also varies, but usually, it closes at 10:00 pm to 1:00 am, depending on the area.  

Sunday Sales

Selling and buying in Illinois is a little special on Sundays. 

Starting Time

The on-premise and off-premise hours start at 6:00 am to 12 noon. 

Closing Time

As for the on-premise and off-premise hours, it usually closes from 8:00 pm to 1:00 am.  

Grocery Stores

Usually, you can only buy and take liquors home from grocery stores. This scenario is under the off-premise rules in Illinois.  

Starting Time

You can buy alcohol at grocery stores from 6:00 am to 11:00 am. But the exact time is to be determined depending on your area. 

For example, if you’re in the Grand Tower, you can purchase alcohol as early as 6:00 am on Fridays, while you can only buy alcohol in Hampshire starting from 9:00 am the same day. 

Read: What Time Can You Still Buy Alcohol In Ohio?

Closing Time

The closing time can be from 10:00 pm to 2:00 am, depending on the area and the business time of the grocery store. 

Bars & Restaurants

In bars and restos, you usually dine in or drink alcohol within the premises. In this case, you need to be aware of the on-premise hours. 

Starting Time

You can buy alcohol starting as early as 5:00 am to 12 noon, Mondays to Saturdays.

But the specific time depends on the day of the week, with Sunday usually starting from 12 noon in most parts. 

Closing Time

The closing time is as early as 8:00 pm to 2:00 am, depending on the day of the week, with Friday and Saturday usually having extended time.  

Is Illinois A Dry State? 

Illinois isn’t a dry state. Though there are restrictions, the sale and distribution of alcoholic beverages are allowed.

The liquor laws [1] are enforced to avoid illegal transportation of alcohol and related mishaps caused by alcohol.  

“Millions of deaths would not have happened if it weren’t for the consumption of alcohol.”

— Mokokoma Mokhonoana, Author 

However, in Illinois, local control over the classification and number of licenses for the sale of alcoholic drinks is only allowed [2].

On the good side, this allows the local jurisdiction not to go dry.

FAQs

Final Say 

Today, there’s no such thing as “dry states.” However, there are still counties within the states that are dry. 

Luckily in Illinois, the residents can buy alcohol everywhere, as long as it’s within the allowed hours.

The on-premise and off-premise hours may vary, so you must be aware of the laws in your local jurisdiction.  

References:

1. https://www2.illinois.gov/ilcc/about/Pages/FAQs-legal.aspx
2. https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp