What permits do you need to open a coffee shop in Lake County Il?

County Liquor License (Classes A, B, C, E, G, H, I)

The county's Liquor Commission page states that "Bars, restaurants, liquor stores, convenience stores and grocery stores located in unincorporated Lake County must apply for a liquor license", and that the County Board Chairman heads the Liquor Commission. Under County Code § 111.042, as amended by Ord. 26-0423 (passed 5-12-2026), the annual renewal fees and initial application fees are: Class A $1,500 annually and $1,000 initial; Class B, a beer garden add-on for Class A holders, an additional $500 annually; Class C $1,750 annually and $750 initial; Class E $850 annually and $1,150 initial; Class G $1,750 annually and $750 initial; Class I $850 annually and $1,150 initial. For Class H (catering in unincorporated areas), § 111.042(G) states "The renewal fee for the license shall be $500 annually." A new applicant whose license expires less than 12 months before June 30 pays the initial application fee plus the renewal fee, prorated by the months remaining in the license year. Licenses expire on the next June 30 (§ 111.045(A)); fees are due by July 1, with a $10 per-day penalty from July 2 to July 31 (§ 111.047). Section 111.043 caps Class A, C, E, G, H and I licenses at 117 in the aggregate. A separate $250 application fee applies (see that record). The Commission page adds that an approved applicant must also apply for a State of Illinois liquor license (235 ILCS 5/5-3).

Food Handler Training

The state charges nothing and issues nothing — it says so in as many words, that it does not issue food handler certifications — but the training is still mandatory for every paid food handler who is not already a certified food protection manager, within thirty days of hire. Providers set their own prices, and the Act requires at least one option to be available at $15 or less. A restaurant must use a course with ANSI approval; other food businesses may use any course IDPH has registered. The certificate belongs to the employee, not the employer, so it travels with them and the employer is not obliged to pay for it. Note the term differs from the manager certification: three years here, five there.

Shared with other businesses in Lake County Il

• Temporary Foodservice Permit (Single and Multiple Event) — Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center — Environmental Health, Set in the Lake County Health Department's fee schedule, which the Health Department's Environmental Health page states is effective December 1, 2025 and which adjusts on December 1 each year; the Environmental Health office (847-377-8020, www.lakecountyil.gov/2787/Environmental-Health) states the amount for a given temporary foodservice permit. The amount depends on the food's risk category and whether the permit covers a single event or multiple events, per event, or per multiple-event permit. Also required for food trucks and restaurants; what it involves is set out on the restaurants page.
• Non-Community Water System Permit — Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center — Environmental Health, Set in the Lake County Health Department's fee schedule, which the Health Department's Environmental Health page states is effective December 1, 2025 and which adjusts on December 1 each year; the Environmental Health office (847-377-8020, www.lakecountyil.gov/2787/Environmental-Health) states the amount for a given non-community water system permit, annual. Also required for restaurants, childcare centres and retail stores; what it involves is set out on the retail stores page.
• Food Service Establishment Permit — Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center — Environmental Health, Set in the Lake County Health Department's fee schedule, which the Health Department's Environmental Health page states is effective December 1, 2025 and which adjusts on December 1 each year; the Environmental Health office (847-377-8020, www.lakecountyil.gov/2787/Environmental-Health) states the amount for a given food service permit. The amount depends on the facility's risk category and type, permit year January 1 – December 31 (Code § 173.04(B)). Also required for restaurants, retail stores and childcare centres; what it involves is set out on the retail stores page.
• Food Establishment Plan Review, Opening Inspection and Ownership Consultation — Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center — Environmental Health, Set in the Lake County Health Department's fee schedule, which the Health Department's Environmental Health page states is effective December 1, 2025 and which adjusts on December 1 each year; the Environmental Health office (847-377-8020, www.lakecountyil.gov/2787/Environmental-Health) states the amount for a given plan review, opening inspection or ownership consultation. The amount depends on whether the review is major or minor, or is an opening inspection or ownership consultation, per project. Also required for restaurants, food trucks, retail stores and childcare centres; what it involves is set out on the retail stores page.
• County Liquor License Application Fee — Lake County Liquor Control Commission / County Board Office, $250 per application, applied to the license fee if the applicant is approved; non-refundable if the application is denied or not completed, one-time, per application. Also required for restaurants and retail stores; what it involves is set out on the retail stores page.
• Liquor License Transfer to Different Premises — Hearing Fee — Lake County Liquor Control Commission / County Board Office, $200 per transfer application, one-time, per transfer. Also required for restaurants and retail stores; what it involves is set out on the retail stores page.
• Retail Food Establishment Permit — Illinois Department of Public Health, Division of Food, Drugs and Dairies, No state fee — the permit and its price are set by the local health department, set by the local health department. Also required for restaurants and food trucks; what it involves is set out on the restaurants page.
• Certified Food Protection Manager — Illinois Department of Public Health, Division of Food, Drugs and Dairies, No fee, 5 years. Also required for restaurants and food trucks; what it involves is set out on the food trucks page.