Recently, the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Licensing (“DBAL”) has begun stepping-up its enforcement of businesses operating within city limits without having or displaying a valid Chicago Business License.  Several of our clients have informed us that DBAL investigators have begun searching downtown buildings to see if tenants have a business license and whether it is properly displayed.  DBAL investigators also canvass areas door-to-door to ensure that businesses are in compliance with other City ordinances, including public way use and tax requirements. 

      The City of Chicago requires people who “conduct, engage in, maintain, operate, carry on or manage a business” to have a business license.   While most businesses in City of Chicago are required to have the license, some are exempt from that requirement, including licensed professionals practicing their profession.  If a business is required to have the license, then it can easily comply by displaying it in a conspicuous place on the premises.  Surprisingly, the City of Chicago can impose significant monetary fines, ranging from $200 to $10,000, for each day a business fails to have a valid license or to properly display it.  If a business is found to have violated the business license ordinance, it will most likely be required to appear before an Administrative Law Officer to respond to the charges.

       If you have any questions, including whether your business is exempt from having a Chicago Business License, or if your business is required to appear before an Administrative Law Officer, please do not hesitate to contact us.