CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- The video gambling tab would be reduced for some bars and restaurants under an economic relief measure passed Thursday by the Cook County Board.
Video gambling license and terminal fees located in unincorporated areas of Cook County temporarily would be cut in half, as part of a coronavirus relief package for businesses the Cook County Board approved Thursday.
For the rest of the year, the license application will cost $250 instead of $500 and the per terminal fee that operators pay will drop to $500 from $1,000.
The move will cost county government around $74,500, officials said.
Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle said it's one way to help bar and restaurant owners who have suffered through a year of shutdowns and capacity restrictions.
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Current liquor licenses for unincorporated Cook County will be extended by two months until June 30, while beer garden licenses will last until the end of the year. After that, fees for licenses issued for the 2021 to 2022 period will be slashed from $3,000 to $2,000 for retail liquor and $750 to $300 for beer gardens.
Commissioners also approved a new rental and utility assistance program.