UPDATED signage for bars, restaurants, and music venues in Chicago that will not be accepting Digital IDs for proof of age at this time. Download your own sign here: bit.ly/4oSLVUv

ICYMI our Director Pat Doerr appeared on WTTW - Chicago PBS's "Chicago Tonight" earlier this month opposing City Hall's proposed new job killing $21 per employee per month employment tax. HBAC supports growing good jobs for Chicagoans in hospitality & other sectors. news.wttw.com/2025/11/06/may…

The Hospitality Business Association of Chicago joins the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States IllinoisRestaurants our state's adult beverage distributors and others in opposing City Hall's newly proposed near DOUBLING of local beer, wine, and spirits taxes. h/t Shia Kapos drive.google.com/file/d/1n24RLE…

The annual Bar and Restaurant Expo aka #BRExpo fka the Nightclub and Bar Show returns to Las Vegas March 22-25th, 2026 and some of their best ever speakers are returning to present exceptional seminars for new and veteran hospitality owners & managers. barandrestaurantexpo.com/ncbshow-schedu…

A slim majority of Chicago City Council is backing a new 3% city sales tax on beer, wine, and spirits at grocery stores, liquor stores, and corner stores. This is the kind of bad tax idea that can spread to bars & restaurants so please contact your Alder: spiritsunited.org/chicago-tax-th…

Take action! Visit NoDrinkTaxes.com to oppose a proposed 29% City Hall sales tax increase on your favorite adult beverages! nodrinktaxes.com

Take action! Visit NoDrinkTaxes.com to oppose a proposed 29% City Hall sales tax increase on your favorite adult beverages! nowinetaxes.com

Take action! Visit NoDrinkTaxes.com to oppose a proposed 29% City Hall sales tax increase on your favorite adult beverages! nodrinktaxes.com

Take action! Visit NoDrinkTaxes.com to oppose a proposed 29% City Hall sales tax increase on your favorite adult beverages! nobeertaxes.com

Take action to protect your preferred American Pinot Noir! Visit NoWineTaxes.com to oppose a proposed 29% City Hall sales tax increase on your favorite adult beverages! nowinetaxes.com

The Chicago coalition opposing the proposed 29% increase in City sales tax on beer, wine, and spirits sold at grocery stores, corner stores, and liquor stores is pleased to share that Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce has joined the coalition letter of opposing a new tax: drive.google.com/file/d/1xsHFlw…

PSA: The new Chicago 1.5% sales tax on to go alcohol purchases at grocery, liquor, & convenience stores (adopted in the City's 2026 budget) has been postponed to March 1st, 2026. HBAC thanks Alderman Nugent, Alderman Matthew J. O'Shea and ChicagoBACP for the delayed implementation.

The dead (for bar business) of winter is a great time to make sure your staff's State of Illinois required Alcohol Server and Food Handler trainings are up to date. Alcohol Server certifications expire every THREE YEARS. Need to re-certify? Just $10.95! bit.ly/4a3ueMM

New Chicago hemp ban would allow liquor licensed Chicago businesses to sell many hemp and THC beverages provided those sales follow many of the same requirements imposed on the sale of alcohol. BUT CHECK WITH YOUR LIABILITY INSURER IF THEY INCLUDE COVERAGE FOR THESE PRODUCTS!

The Chicago Police Department has issued the following alert regarding a surge in smash and grab commercial (small business) burglaries to start 2026. Leave cash drawers open. Secure ATMs far from entrances. Check your burglar alarms are fully functional. h/t ChicagoCAPS18

BREAKING: ILLiquorControl announces they are switching to a new platform for license applications & renewals filings on Feb 11th, 2026. You will no longer be able to renew in MyTax. If you have a winter renewal date, consider renewing before the switch. ilcc.illinois.gov/ilcc-portal/il…

A snowy Friday ahead of the slowest month of the bar and tavern year is a PERFECT time for bartenders and servers to make sure their alcohol server certification is current AND to see if Treasurer Michael Frerichs has any unclaimed funds waiting for you! conta.cc/4khMAgz