What permits do you need to open a retail store in Dupage County?

County Retail Liquor License (Classes A–H)

Under County Code Sec. 3-5 the DuPage County liquor ordinance applies to all areas of the county outside the corporate limits of any municipality, and to municipal territory where an intergovernmental agreement authorizes the County to regulate retail alcohol sales. The Local Liquor Commissioner is the Chair of the County Board, and the County Clerk keeps the records and prints and distributes the signed licenses (Sec. 3-4). Per the Sec. 3-14 table, as amended by Ordinance DC-O-0033-24 adopted May 28, 2024, the initial and renewal fees are $2,250 for Class A (package store), Class B (restaurant and tavern) and Class G1 (video gaming terminal café), $2,400 for Class C (hotel or motel), $200 for Class D (additional bar) and Class G2 (additional video gaming terminal bar), $375 for Class F (clubs), $50 for Class E (temporary daily) and $100 for Class H (catering). Classes A, B, C, G1 and G2 also pay a non-refundable $1,000 application fee, and the fee must accompany the application. Of each license fee the County Clerk receives $5 under 55 ILCS 5/4-4001. Classes B, C, D, G1 and G2 must file proof of BASSET server training. Applicants submit certifications from the Health Department and Building & Zoning that the premises conform to county regulations (Sec. 3-15). Sec. 3-24 requires liquor liability insurance of $100,000 per person and $300,000 per occurrence for bodily injury and $100,000 for loss of means of support; the licensee furnishes the declarations page and must suspend business if coverage lapses. Sec. 3-16 requires fingerprints of new applicants. The State retailer license under 235 ILCS 5/5-3 is required as well.

Tobacco Seller's License (Unincorporated DuPage County)

A store or café that sells tobacco products in unincorporated DuPage County needs a tobacco seller's license (County Code Sec. 20-141), in addition to any other county or State license. The code states two fees: Sec. 20-142(B) requires each application to be accompanied by a nonrefundable $100 filing fee, and Sec. 20-143 charges an annual license fee and renewal fee of $100, payable to the DuPage County Clerk. The license period runs September 1 to August 31, and renewal applications are due at least 30 days before expiry. A separate license is needed for each point of sale (a store, stand, vending machine or other place of business), and the license must be displayed prominently at that point of sale. Sec. 20-149 restricts sales near schools and child care facilities. Contact the County Clerk for the amount due with a first application.

Special Event, Seasonal Sales and Temporary Structure (Operations) Permits

Building & Zoning charges for special events, seasonal sales and temporary structures in unincorporated DuPage County, per the Building & Zoning Schedule of Fees attached to Ordinance DC-O-0014-25, adopted by the County Board on March 25, 2025 and effective May 1, 2025 (County Code Sec. 8-114.3:1). Special events are Class A ($100, one day in an existing building with no liquor), Class B ($150, one day indoors with a liquor license), Class C ($200, one day outdoors with temporary facilities such as tents, temporary food service, fireworks or music) and Class D ($300, any of these over more than one day). A seasonal sales permit is $100. A temporary structure needs an operations permit valid for up to 180 days: Class B ($350) and Class C ($500 per structure) cover non-residential temporary structures that may involve tents, washrooms, temporary food service or a liquor license, plus $100 per unit for generators or lighting. Temporary food service also needs the Health Department's temporary food permit.

Shared with other businesses in Dupage County

• Annual Food Service Establishment / Retail Food Store Permit — DuPage County Health Department, $305–$1,092 per establishment per year, by risk category: Risk Category 1 $1,092, Risk Category 2 $684, Risk Category 3 $305; seasonal establishment (six months or less) $305; 25% penalty if not paid by the expiration date, one year from issuance (County Code Secs. 18-108 and 18-204). Also required for restaurants, coffee shops and childcare centres; what it involves is set out on the restaurants page.
• Temporary Food Service Permit — DuPage County Health Department, $82–$268 per booth, for up to 14 days, by risk category: 1T $268, 2T $165, 3T $82 (non-refundable); 25% penalty if the permit is not obtained at least three business days before the event, up to 14 dates at the same location; no more than two permits (28 dates) per location in a year. Also required for food trucks, restaurants and coffee shops; what it involves is set out on the food trucks page.
• Food Service Plan Review — DuPage County Health Department, $273–$1,092 per project: Type I plan review $273, Type II $684, Type III $1,092; plan review consultation $283; priority review (three business days) $1,092 in addition to the applicable fee; resubmittal fee $344 at the third and later resubmittals, one-time, per construction, remodel or conversion project. Also required for restaurants, coffee shops and childcare centres; what it involves is set out on the coffee shops page.