Chicago’s independent venues & fans threatened again with crushing amusement tax

Illinois Senate Bill 2111 would add a 7% amusement tax, threatening thousands of shows each year and putting many of Chicago’s independent venues at serious risk.

October 29, 2025 –  The proposed 7% statewide amusement tax in Illinois Senate Bill 2111 would be devastating for many of Chicago’s independent music venues, which already operate on razor-thin margins and struggle with rising costs. If passed, this tax would force thousands of local shows each year to become more expensive and less accessible, squeezing out indie venues and fans alike while threatening the diverse music ecosystem that makes Chicago a world-class “Music City”. For independent venues — many still recovering from pandemic impacts — this new financial burden could mean fewer shows, layoffs, or even closures, harming artists, staff, and the communities that rely on our cultural spaces.

“Illinois’ proposed amusement tax will absolutely endanger already-struggling independent music and arts venues across the state — venues that already fuel $288.8 million in annual tax revenue, contribute $2.3 billion to the state GDP, and pay $1.3 billion in wages,” says Billy Helmkamp, Executive Director of CIVL. “With 78% of independent venues currently operating at a loss in Illinois, piling on another tax is not only unfair, but risks permanently damaging a sector critical to the state’s identity and local economies. Rather than imposing another burden, Illinois should tap into venue leaders’ expertise to design creative policies that spark local engagement and job growth statewide. A true partnership — not punitive taxation — will keep our arts ecosystem inclusive, resilient, and thriving for all communities.”

To view Senate Bill 2111 in full, visit this link. The proposed Amusement Tax can be found on page 15.

ABOUT CIVL

CIVL has served as the leading advocate for Chicago’s independently owned and operated performing arts venues since 2018. CIVL fosters collaborative advocacy, supports its members through resource sharing and community engagement, and promotes public understanding of the essential cultural and economic impact our venues have on the city.