Recognizing additional need COVID-19 has created for both residents and the business community, the Cook County Board passed a number of measures to aid the community. The fiscal impact of these measures totals over $200,000.
Per Ordinance 21-1380, the 2020-2021 liquor license year will be extended by two months through June 30, 2021. License fees for 2021-2022 will also be reduced from $3,000 to $2,000, and beer garden licenses will be reduced from $750 to $300. Temporary beer garden licenses will be extended through December 31, 2021, to assist businesses in coping with pandemic restrictions.
The application fee for 2021 video gaming licenses will be reduced from $500 to $250. For businesses that already operate with a video gaming license, terminal license fees will be reduced from $1,000 to $500.
Changes are being made to the Wheel Tax Fee schedule as well. For the 2021-2022 licensing year, recreational trailers and commercial trailers will be combined into one category of trailers, all with a fee of $60 moving forward. This will streamline Department enforcement efforts, by eliminating compliance issues and reduce costs on commercial trailers for businesses coping with the loss of revenue due to the pandemic. Individuals needing to renew their Wheel Tax will have two extra months to do so, through August 31, 2021.