UPDATE: Restaurants and Bars To Close March 17 – 30
Posted on March 15, 2020
Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot and Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) Commissioner Rosa Escareno have issued guidance for restaurants and bars to comply with Governor Pritzker’s order to close taverns and restrict onsite consumption of food or beverage to help slow the spread of the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19). Beginning at 9:00 p.m. on March 16 and lasting through March 30, all restaurants and taverns in the state of Illinois must cease their regular operations. Restaurants and bars in the City of Chicago are required to follow the following updated guidelines, with the City beginning any necessary enforcement measures at midnight tonight:
- The consumption of food or beverage is not permitted inside a restaurant or bar.
- Congregation of any kind is not permitted inside or outside a restaurant or bar.
- Drive-thru, delivery and carry out or curbside pick-up may continue, with the restaurant owner responsible to ensure social distancing policies are in place and followed.
Customers may enter restaurants to order food and immediately leave upon receiving the food. BACP has put together an FAQ document with answers to the many questions facing business owners and consumers. The following establishments are included in the mandated restaurant and bar closure order:
- Concession stands at movie theaters, bowling alleys and other entertainment venues
- Cafes, coffee bars, ice cream counters and other concession areas within grocery stores
- Coffee shops and cafes
All year-round sidewalk cafes, covered or not, should also be closed as part of this order. Food Trucks, bakeries and grocery stores can continue operations, provided that there is no on-site consumption.
To support the community, BACP has created a webpage with resources for businesses, consumers and employees. BACP is working closely with federal partners to ensure local businesses can take advance of federal assistance programs, including the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan Fund. This page will be updated regularly throughout the ongoing situation.
