When it comes to concealed carry in Illinois, few areas are as misunderstood—or as legally complex—as carrying in establishments that serve alcohol. If you’re a licensed CCL holder, knowing where you can carry and how alcohol factors into both legality and self-defense claims is critical.
Can You Carry in a Bar or Restaurant in Illinois?
Under the Illinois Firearm Concealed Carry Act, you cannot carry a firearm into any business where more than 50% of gross revenue comes from alcohol sales for on-premises consumption (720 ILCS 5/24-1.9). These establishments are commonly categorized as bars.
On the other hand, you may legally carry in a restaurant that serves alcohol—provided less than 50% of their revenue comes from alcohol and the establishment has not posted a no-carry sign. Owners are required to post the Illinois State Police-approved “no firearms” sign if they prohibit carry on their premises.
The 51% Rule and Signage
The so-called 51% rule applies regardless of whether you’re entering just for food. If the establishment’s primary income comes from alcohol, it’s legally off-limits for concealed carry. Signage at the entrance is your signal—if it’s posted, you must leave your firearm secured elsewhere before entering, even if the business misclassifies itself as a restaurant.
Can You Drink While Carrying?
This is where precision matters. Illinois law does not prohibit all alcohol consumption while carrying. Instead, it makes it illegal to carry while under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicating compounds.
So, yes—you can legally carry after having a drink, but you cannot be impaired. Impairment is usually measured by behavior and BAC (Blood Alcohol Concentration), where 0.08 or higher generally indicates legal intoxication. Still, officers can charge you at a lower BAC if they observe signs of impairment.
How Alcohol Impacts a Self-Defense Claim
Here’s where even legal behavior can become legally problematic. If you’re involved in a defensive shooting after consuming alcohol—even below the legal limit—prosecutors may argue your judgment was impaired, undermining your claim of acting under a “reasonable belief” of imminent harm.
Moreover, if the incident occurs in a prohibited location (e.g., a bar with >50% alcohol revenue), you’re already committing a weapons violation, which further complicates your defense—even if the use of force was otherwise justified.
Can You Still Use Deadly Force?
Illinois law allows the use of deadly force in defense of self or others if you reasonably believe it’s necessary to prevent death or great bodily harm (720 ILCS 5/7-1). This right does not disappear simply because you are in a prohibited location or had a drink.
To put in plainly… Yes. Being in a prohibited area does NOT negate your ability to defend yourself when justified….
However, exercising that right while violating other laws (carrying where prohibited or while under the influence) increases your criminal and civil liability. You may be charged with unlawful use of a weapon, reckless conduct, or worse—even if you acted to defend your life.
What to Expect If It Happens
If you’re ever forced to use your firearm in a bar or after drinking—even within legal boundaries—expect the following:
- Immediate arrest and weapon seizure
2. Suspension or revocation of your CCL during investigation
3. A full criminal investigation, possibly including charges unrelated to the shooting (e.g., unlawful possession, DUI-like offenses)
4. Civil lawsuits, regardless of the criminal outcome
Final Thoughts
✅ You can carry in restaurants that serve alcohol, unless posted or revenue exceeds 50% from alcohol.
🚫 You cannot carry in bars or establishments posted as no-carry zones.
⚖️ You can legally drink, but not be “under the influence.”
🔥 Even lawful actions can be used against you in court—especially when alcohol is involved.
For more training on topics like this, email us at: support@joemalonetraining.com