Permits and licenses

In Illinois, starting a meadery involves several permits, licenses, and fees, along with compliance with various local, state, and federal regulations. Here’s a list of the potential requirements you might encounter:

Federal Requirements:

  1. Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) Permits:
    • Basic Permit: Required to produce and sell alcoholic beverages.
    • Label Approval: Each label must be approved by the TTB.
    • Estimated Fees: Generally included within the processing time and compliance checks.

State of Illinois Requirements:

  1. State Alcohol Beverage License:

    • Annual Fee: Varies, but can be approximately $1,000.
  2. State Manufacturer's License:

    • Annual Fee: Around $30 to $100, depending on specifics.
  3. Business Registration:

    • Register your business with the Illinois Secretary of State.
    • Fee: Approximately $150 (initial registration).

Local Requirements:

  1. Local Business License:

    • Contact the local city or county clerk’s office for specific requirements.
    • Fee: Typically ranges from $50 to $200 annually.
  2. Building Permits and Inspections:

    • Application and Permit Fees: Typically $50 to $500 depending on the scope of work.
    • Inspection Fees: Additional costs may apply, such as $50 to $100 per re-inspection.
  3. Health Department Permit:

    • Necessary if you have a tasting room or sell directly to consumers.
    • Fee: Varies based on location and facility size.
  4. Fire Safety Inspection:

    • Required for occupancy and operational safety.
    • Fee: Typically included in the building inspection process.

Additional Considerations:

  1. Insurance:

    • Cost: Approximately $600 annually for liability and product insurance.
  2. Zoning and Planning:

    • Ensure your chosen location complies with local zoning laws for alcohol production.
    • Fee: May include costs for rezoning applications if necessary.
  3. Wastewater Discharge Permits:

    • Required if your production involves significant water usage and discharge.
    • Fee: Varies based on discharge volume and local regulations.

Resources for Further Information:

These resources will help you navigate the detailed requirements and ensure you comply with all necessary regulations to start your meadery in Illinois.

To obtain an alcohol permit to produce mead in Mattoon, IL, Coles County, you'll need to follow these steps and consider the associated resources and requirements:

State-Level Requirements:

  1. Illinois Liquor Control Commission (ILCC):
    • Application: You need to apply for a state liquor license. The application forms and detailed instructions can be found on the ILCC website​ (ILCC)​.
    • Fees: The fees vary depending on the type of license and the scale of your operation. You will need to check the specific fee structure applicable to your meadery.

Local-Level Requirements:

  1. City of Mattoon:

    • Liquor License: You need to apply for a local liquor license through the City Clerk’s office. More information and the necessary forms can be found on the City of Mattoon website​ (City of Mattoon, Illinois)​.
    • Building Permits and Inspections: Ensure your facility complies with local building codes, health regulations, and fire safety standards. You may need to undergo inspections and possibly obtain permits for any facility modifications. Contact the Community Development and Code Enforcement office for more details​ (City of Mattoon, Illinois)​.
  2. Coles County:

    • Local Regulations: Be aware of any additional local regulations or requirements specific to Coles County. This can include zoning laws, waste management practices, and other health and safety regulations.

Additional Resources:

  • Contact Information:
    • ILCC: For questions about state liquor licenses, you can contact the ILCC at their Springfield office at 217-782-2136 or visit their website​ (ILCC)​.
    • City of Mattoon Community Development and Code Enforcement: For local permits and inspections, contact them at 217-234-7367 or visit the Mattoon City Hall​ (City of Mattoon, Illinois)​.

By following these steps and ensuring compliance with both state and local regulations, you can obtain the necessary permits to produce mead in Mattoon, IL.