Chicago's Controversial New Liquor Tax Is Finally In Effect. What You Need To Know - Chowhound

Barillo_Images/Shutterstock Back in 2024, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson considered the idea of imposing a 34% spirit tax increase. Then, in December 2025, an alcohol sales tax bill advanced in the city, having been brought down from a later-adjusted 3% tax to a 1.5% tax. Now, nearly two years after the idea was first suggested, the 1.5% liquor tax increase has officially gone into effect within Chicago — but…