New Chicago liquor tax goes into effect

Chicagoans now have to pay a 1.5% liquor tax on alcohol purchased in grocery and liquor stores.
Chicagoans now have to pay a 1.5% liquor tax on alcohol purchased in grocery and liquor stores. Photo credit Getty Images

Chicago residents who are buying alcohol will now notice a new tax on their bill.

The new 1.5% tax went into effect Sunday. It applies to customers who are purchasing alcohol meant to be consumed off the premises where it is sold, such as at grocery, convenience and retail stores.

The tax, which replaces the previous per-gallon tax on retailers, was delayed by two months to give shops more time to implement the new system.

That money is separate from the new tax being assessed in Chicago, which will automatically be added to customers’ receipts at checkout.

Featured Image Photo Credit: Getty Images