Licensed retailers can deliver alcohol via employees, contractors, or curbside within 12 hours, requiring age verification (21+) and sealed packaging inaccessible to vehicle passengers. Common carriers handle shipping with adult signatures and tracking, preempting most local rules except Chicago. Restaurants and bars may sell single servings for delivery until August 2028, but only via their own staff—no third-party apps for those.​
Happy Hour Restrictions
Happy Hour promotions ended in 2016 statewide, banning time-based discounts like two-for-one deals or free drinks to curb overconsumption, though daily specials persist. Bars cannot offer reduced prices during peak hours, with fines up to $1,000 for violations enforced by the Illinois Liquor Control Commission.​
Other Complexities
Sunday sales start at 11 AM for off-premise (grocery stores) but vary locally for bars; no sales on certain holidays like Christmas. Craft distilleries and wineries have direct-to-consumer shipping rights with limits, while grocery stores sell beer/wine but not spirits. Local dry ordinances still exist in some townships, prohibiting sales entirely.
SOURCES
[1](https://libationlawblog.com/2021/01/20/illinois-passes-liquor-control-act-amendments-to-clarify-and-expand-in-state-delivery-and-shipping-rights-for-retail-liquor-licensees-stores-bars-etc/)
[2](https://municipalminute.ancelglink.com/2021/12/illinois-liquor-control-commission.html)
[3](https://zrfmlaw.com/publication/liquor-control-act-amended-to-include-liquor-delivery-and-curbside-pickup-effective-january-1-2022/)
[4](https://www.touchbistro.com/blog/alcohol-delivery-covid-19/)
[5](https://www.rockfuscoconnelly.com/new-illinois-law-allows-third-party-services-to-deliver-alcohol/)
