Chicago Bars Open June 17, Staffing Issues Webinar

The Illinois Restaurant Association continues to engage with local, state, and federal officials to help our employers and employees address concerns about COVID-19.

Please see the below resources and information for your business - updated as of 4:15 p.m. on Monday, June 15.

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Bars in the City of Chicago Can Open for Outdoor Service Wednesday, June 17

This afternoon, Mayor Lightfoot, alongside several City departments including the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH), the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP), and the Chicago Park District, announced the reopening dates for bars and breweries – June 17 – and the Lakefront Trail – June 22.

Beginning Wednesday, June 17, bars, lounges, taverns, breweries and other drinking establishments that sell alcohol for on-site consumption without a Retail Food License will be able to open for outdoor service only. Under the industry guidelines, drinking establishments may reopen under similar health and safety restrictions that restaurants have been following since June 3, including the same requirements for outdoor service only.

Patrons must be seated at tables that are six feet apart, with six people or fewer per table. Furthermore, seating at drinking establishments will be limited to a maximum of two hours. Finally, alcohol sales at bars and restaurants for on-site consumption must end at 11:00 p.m. each night, however the sale of alcohol for carryout or delivery must cease at 9:00 p.m. each night.

Click here to read the full announcement. Click here to read the industry guidelines for food service and bars.

Pro Bono Architectural Design Network for Outdoor Dining

In partnership with the Illinois Restaurant Association, City Open Workshop is offering pro bono architectural design assistance for outdoor dining at restaurants. Click here to visit the resource guide and reach out to qualified professionals today.

If you are interested in learning more and partnering with professional architects, landscape designers, and zoning professionals, click here to submit an inquiry.

In addition, City Open Workshop is hosting a series of virtual design sessions and office hours for small businesses. For more information and to sign up, click here. 

Staffing and Return to Work Legal Issues Webinar

Join the IRA and panelists from US Foods, law firm Laner Muchin, and Robinson's No. 1 Ribs Tuesday, June 16 at 2:00 p.m. for a webinar providing strategies and guidance for staffing your operation and returning to work legal issues.

Este seminario web se transmitirá en inglés y español.

This webinar will feature remarks from Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and is provided in partnership with the Cook County Community Recovery Initiative.

Click here to register.

Favorable Interim Rule on PPP Flexibility Act Released

On June 11, new guidance reflecting the Payroll Protection Program Flexibility Act was issued by the Small Business Administration and U.S. Department of Treasury.

C lick here to read the interim final rule. These regulations are consistent with our understanding of PPPFA and favorably resolves the 60% “cliff” concern.

• There is no 60% “Cliff” that could have invalidated loan forgiveness

• Borrowers can choose an 8-week period (if receiving the loan before June 5) or the 24-week period

• More guidance will be coming soon on loan forgiveness

IRA Guide for Reopening Services and Supplies

The IRA has launched a premier resource base of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) and reopening services for restaurants, including: hand sanitizer, face coverings, gloves, cleaning and sanitizing supplies, plexiglass, menus, floor markers, signs, and more.

Click here to let us know if you would like to join the IRA’s reopening resource page and offer PPE materials and equipment to restaurants and bars throughout Illinois. Companies must be current IRA Associate members in order to be featured.