Here's everything you need to know about Illinois' alcohol laws

Gov. JB Pritzker unofficially named Jeppson’s Malört as the drink of the Democratic National Convention. There are, however, plenty of official standards when it comes to alcohol use in Illinois.

Here's what to know about Illinois' alcohol laws as of 2024.

Are there any times or dates when alcohol cannot be sold?

Illinois' liquor laws do not prohibit the sale of alcohol on any day, including major holidays.

As far as when it can be sold and served, alcohol can be served from 10 a.m. to 4 a.m. seven days a week, per the Illinois Liquor Control Commission .

What happened to the state's cocktail to-go law?

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the state allowed restaurants and bars to provide carryout, curbside pickup, and delivery of mixed drinks and single servings of wine to patrons for off-premises consumption. That law was set to expire on Jan. 3, 2024, before Pritzker signed a law that extended it until Aug. 1, 2028.

Those wishing to take advantage of state's to-go law must still be age-verified and the drinks must be sealed in a container that also lists the ingredients of what is included in the drink. Third-party services like Uber Eats and GrubHub are not permitted to deliver mixed drinks.

What is the state's law regarding open containers?

For drivers and passengers, only alcohol in its original and unopened container are permitted inside the vehicle. That applies to any item containing alcohol — whether it be liquor, wine or beer — in liquid or solid form.

This does not apply to passengers in limousines, charter buses or mobile homes as long as the vehicles are used in its ordinary fashion.

More: How many police calls were made to 3 a.m. Springfield bars since 2022? We break down the data

What laws exist around Happy Hour?

Previously banned in the 1980s out of concern of drunk driving, legislation signed into law by former Gov. Bruce Rauner opened the door for happy hour drink specials in Illinois.

The 2015 law allows drink specials up to four hours each day and no more than 15 hours a week. Some limits still exist, however, such as volume specials like two drinks for the price of one. Happy hour also cannot occur anytime between 10 p.m. and closing time.

Contact Patrick M. Keck: pkeck@gannett.com, twitter.com/@pkeckreporter

This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Here's everything you need to know about Illinois' alcohol laws