Chicago tax on alcohol for off-premises drinking delayed until March

CHICAGO (WLS) -- A new Chicago tax on alcohol was supposed to take effect January 1, but it's been postponed.

The 1.5 percent tax will be collected on alcoholic beverages purchased at a store for drinking off premises.

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It will now take effect on March 1.

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The city's Department of Finance says the delay will allow businesses more time to adjust to the new tax.