Updated Details on COVID-19 Business Restrictions

The Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection (BACP) has published new details today outlining the new COVID-19 Business Restrictions implemented by the Mayor yesterday. Currently, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) Positivity Rate for Region 11 (City of Chicago) is at 7.0%.

If the city's positivity rate goes above 8% for 3 straight days, we may be subject to additional statewide mitigation measures, including:

  • No indoor dining or drinking
  • Reduced capacity of businesses

Currently, Chicago is in the Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois Plan. Click here for a refresher on Illinois Phase 3 details.
NON-ESSENTIAL BUSINESS REGULATIONS

  • All non-essential businesses must be closed to the public between 10:00pm and 6:00am.
  • Take-out / delivery / curbside pick-up at restaurants may continue during business curfew hours.
  • Essential businesses are exempt, and include the following:
  • Stores that Sell Groceries and Medicine
  • Gas Stations
  • Bike Shops
  • Transportation
  • Banks
  • Hardware / Supply stores
  • Laundry Services
  • Day Care Centers
  • Hotels / Motels
NEW REGULATION

All liquor sales must cease at 9:00pm.

  • This applies to all licensed liquor establishments:
  • Taverns
  • Consumption on Premises-Incidental Activity
  • Packaged Goods
  • This applies to all types of sale, including:
  • To-Go Purchases (i.e. liquor stores, grocery stores, etc.)
  • Delivery (delivery of alcohol must be completed by 9:00pm)
  • On-site Consumption
BARS, TAVERNS, AND BREWERIES REMINDER

  • No indoor service allowed at any establishment that serves alcohol without a Retail Food License
  • The recent partner with a licensed food business program is not allowed with these new regulations
  • Businesses impacted by this new regulation include: Taverns, Bars, Breweries, Lounges, etc. Basically, any establishment or venue that serves alcohol without food!
  • Outdoor service is still allowed:
  • Outdoor Patios
  • Expanded Outdoor Dining
  • Rooftops
  • Retractable Roofs
  • Indoor spaces where 50% or more of a wall can be removed via the opening of windows, doors, or panels provided that dining tables are within 8-ft. from such opening.
  • Establishments that serve food may continue indoor dining and drinking under existing regulations.
REMINDER OF CURRENT GUIDELINES

Please be aware that BACP will continue enforcing the new regulations listed above along with the existing regulations. As a reminder:
  • Indoor capacity at most businesses is limited to 40%, with a total of 50 patrons within a room or space at restaurants, event venues, performance venues and other establishments.
  • No more than six people per table at a bar, restaurant, performance venue or event venue.
  • Face coverings must be worn at all times by customers and employees, and can be removed by customers only in limited circumstances (i.e. when actively eating/drinking, during personal services that require their removal)
  • Class size at health and fitness centers and after-school programming limited to 15 people, while adhering to the 40% capacity limit.
Keep up to date on changing restrictions via the Chicago Reopening Businesses Portal.
Please see our COVID-19 Business Resources website for a comprehensive list of resources.

We're available and invested in your success. For further questions or individualized assistance, please email Katie Kraus, Membership Services Director, at katie@lincolnsquare.org.
 
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