5 Ways You Probably Didn’t Know You Could Lose Your Liquor License

Losing your Illinois liquor license can have devastating consequences for your business. Not only can it lead to financial losses, but it can also tarnish your reputation and make it difficult to attract new customers. We’ll cover some of the less obvious ways you could lose your liquor license, helping you avoid costly mistakes and keep your business running smoothly.

1. The Perils of Permitting Underage Drinking

Serving alcohol to minors is a serious offense in Illinois. If your establishment is caught serving alcohol to anyone under the age of 21, you could face hefty fines, the suspension or revocation of your liquor license, and even criminal charges. Make sure your staff is well-trained in checking IDs and enforcing age restrictions. For comprehensive training, consider our online BASSET certification course, designed by the Illinois Liquor Control Commission (ILCC) to help you identify and prevent underage drinking.

2. Overindulgence and Overserving

Illinois law holds businesses accountable for the actions of their patrons after they leave the premises. If someone becomes intoxicated at your establishment and then causes harm to themselves or others, you could be held liable.

This is known as dram shop liability, and it can lead to costly lawsuits and the loss of your liquor license. To avoid it, make sure your staff is trained to recognize the signs of intoxication and to cut off patrons before they have too much to drink.

3. The Risks of Rowdy Behavior

Allowing disorderly conduct on your premises can also jeopardize your liquor license. This includes fights, public intoxication, and other disruptive behavior. If your establishment becomes known for rowdiness, the ILCC may take action, including suspending or revoking your license.

To avoid this, make sure your staff is trained to de-escalate situations and maintain order. Consider hiring security personnel or off-duty police if necessary.

4. Permitting Prohibited Activities

Certain activities are strictly prohibited in establishments with liquor licenses in Illinois. These include gambling, prostitution, and the sale of controlled substances. Allowing any of these activities to take place on your premises can result in the immediate revocation of your liquor license.

Make sure your staff is aware of these prohibitions and that they are enforced.

5. The Impact of an Owner’s Criminal Conviction

Your personal actions can also affect your liquor license. If the owner or a manager with a financial interest in the business is convicted of a felony, even if it’s unrelated to the business, the ILCC may revoke your liquor license. This is because the ILCC has the authority to deny or revoke a license if it believes that the owner or manager is not of “good character and reputation.”

To avoid this, it’s important to maintain a clean criminal record.

Real-Life Liquor License Issues in Illinois

In recent years, several establishments in Illinois have lost their liquor licenses due to various violations. For instance, a bar in Kankakee faced a four-day suspension for serving alcohol to an underage informant.

By understanding the ways you could lose your Illinois liquor license and taking steps to prevent violations, you can protect your business and ensure its continued success. Remember, knowledge is power. By educating yourself and your staff about the laws and regulations governing liquor licenses, you can avoid costly mistakes and keep your business thriving.

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Adhering to Illinois liquor laws and regulations is essential for your business. Losing your liquor license is not merely a financial setback; it can irrevocably damage your business’s reputation and make rebuilding an uphill battle. By prioritizing compliance and educating yourself and your staff, you can safeguard your license and your establishment’s future.

For more information on Illinois liquor licensing, please visit the ILCC website.

Empower yourself with knowledge and protect your business. Enroll in our comprehensive online BASSET certification course today. Designed by the Illinois Liquor Control Commission (ILCC), this course equips you with the tools to identify and prevent violations, ensuring your establishment and employees operate within the bounds of the law and keep people safe. Don’t leave your livelihood to chance — take proactive measures to safeguard your Illinois liquor license today!

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