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What We Do

Business Licenses

The Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) issues over 70 different types of business licenses in the City of Chicago and regulates industries as diverse as retail, food establishments, day care centers, manufacturing facilities and motor vehicle repair shops. BACP also regulates the sale of retail liquor in Chicago.

Most types of business licenses can be applied for online,or in person. When in person- a BACP Business Consultant will help determine what licenses or permits you need, process your application and also connect you with business resources. We are located in City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St., Room 800. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. You can request an appointment with a business consultant here or by calling 312-74-GOBIZ (744-6249).

Public Way Use Permits

In addition to issuing business licenses, BACP is the department which handles General Grants of Privilege for the use of the public way. If your business has a sign, canopy, awning, bench, or anything that extends over, under or is on the public way, it may require a public way use permit. There are several different types of public way uses including sidewalk cafés.

You can apply for a public way use permit unit in City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St., room 800. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. You can request an appointment with a business consultant here or by calling 312-74-GOBIZ (744-6249).

Alerts (Business Licenses)

	Feb 6, 2012	Invasive Species and Annual Plastic Bag Recycling Reporting Information
	Dec 13, 2011	New State and City Law Amendments: Ban on Sale of Synthetic Marijuana

Most Recent News (Business Licenses)

Oct 5, 2011	City Council Passes Mayor Emanuel's New Reforms for Businesses and Reduces the Time it Takes to Obtain Business Licenses
Sep 8, 2011	Mayor Emanuel Annouces New Reforms For Businesses that Improve the Time it Takes to Obtain Business Licenses
May 4, 2011	City Passes Ordinance That Supports Shared Kitchens And Food Entrepreneurs
Apr 13, 2011	City Introduces Ordinance That Supports Shared Kitchens And Food Entrepreneurs
Mar 9, 2011	City Passes Amendments To Retail Laws That Provide Updates And Modernization Of Current Industry Regulation

View all News Releases (Business Licenses)

Department Main Office

Business Affairs and Consumer Protection

Phone: 312.744.6060
TTY: 312.744.1944
Fax: 312.744.0254
121 N. LaSalle Street
Chicago, IL 60602 Get Directions

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