Liquor license type depends on nature of special event.  All special events must obtain a Special Event Permit with the Economic and Community Development Department. Read more about ECD’s Special Event Permit.

Each business who intends to sell/serve liquor outside of their original approved premise must contact the City Clerk Department at (309) 434-2509 ext. 6 to obtain the correct application and information needed. All special events approved for liquor are required to comply with the provisions of Bloomington City Code Chapter 6, Section 133D. If approved, the organizer must obtain the required certificates or permits before the special event.

For recurring special events, the Liquor Commissioner (Mayor) may consider the request and approve, deny, or approve with conditions without the need for a public hearing. A recurring event is defined as:

1. An event that has occurred in two or more consecutive years and is held by the same event organizers;
2. An event where there are no substantial changes from previous years;
3. The organizer has obtained a Special Event Permit; and
4. There were no previous violation, enforcement or public safer issues or concerns.

For special events that do not qualify as a recurring special event, the organizer will be scheduled to appear at a public hearing before the Liquor Commission to provide details to the Commissioners regarding the event. The organizer must attend this meeting (see meeting and deadline chart above). The Liquor Commission has the authority to approve, deny, or approve requests with conditions.

A liquor license will be needed depending on the event/organization type. Please reach out to the City Clerk Department (cityclerk@cityblm.org) for additional information.