Cook County Guidelines, PPP Improvements Needed, Springfield Restrictions

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 5:00 p.m. on Monday, August 3

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Cook County Issues Recommended Guidelines for Restaurants and Bars

Today, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and the Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) issued voluntary guidance for bars, restaurants, fitness clubs, personal care businesses and other gathering places to respond to a new surge in COVID-19 cases in suburban Cook County, particularly among young adults.

The guidelines are recommended and voluntary, and will not be enforced in suburban Cook County.

Measures include:

• Bars, taverns, breweries and other establishments that serve alcohol for on-site consumption without a retail food license are being asked to serve customers outdoors only.

• Restaurants that serve alcohol need to continue to abide by ongoing COVID-19 guidance and existing regulations.

• Maximum party size and table occupancy at restaurants, bars, taverns, and breweries should be reduced to 6 people (indoor or outdoor).

• Indoor fitness class size should be reduced to a maximum of 10 people.

• Personal service businesses should discontinue services (shaves, facials) that require the removal of face coverings.

• Residential property managers should limit guest entry to 6 people per unit to avoid indoor gatherings and parties.

In addition, businesses and workplaces should:

• Institute remote work for high-risk individuals and continue to support telework for as many workers as possible.

• Retail establishments should maintain no more than 50% capacity, which is the current recommendation.

Click here to read the full announcement.

Click here to read more from Chicago Sun-Times.

Action Alert - PPP Program Must Be Improved Now

Did you know that restaurant operators who had Payroll Protection Program (PPP) loans forgiven may lose some key tax deductions, creating a surprise tax liability? And that the majority of restaurants might not be eligible for a new round of PPP funding?  These two critical issues are why you need to take action now.

As Congress tries to move towards agreement on a final COVID relief package, plans have emerged for a new round of PPP funding that would require businesses to demonstrate a 50% loss of revenue.  According to recently released data, 55% of restaurants that are losing money would not be eligible for this new funding! Congress must fix the legislation to ensure that more restaurants—the hardest hit businesses by the COVID-19 pandemic—are eligible. 

When Congress created PPP, its intent was for business expenses paid by PPP to be tax deductible. However, guidance from the IRS says that expenses paid for with a forgiven loan are now taxable.

Restaurants across the country may soon face surprise tax liability when they can least afford it. Some restaurants have indicated that this surprise tax liability could be the final factor that causes them to close. Congress must make business expenses paid for by PPP tax deductible.

Take action now to help protect restaurants from surprise tax liabilities! 

Springfield Guidelines for Restaurants and Bars Announced

Springfield Mayor Jim Langfelder has recently signed an Emergency Order that states that all patrons of a bar or restaurant in the city of Springfield must have an assigned table/seat. The number of patrons in each establishment should not exceed the number of available tables/seats while maintaining required social distancing.

Patrons must have an assigned table (seated or high top) and must remain at their table unless leaving the establishment or going to the restroom. If a person moves away from their assigned table or seat (whether to visit another table, go to the bar, or restroom), a face covering must be worn over the mouth and nose. Wearing a mask is an important health and safety measure.

Throughout this week, representatives from the Springfield Police and Fire departments will be inspecting bars and restaurants and distributing the attached guidelines. This Friday and Saturday, they will be doing COVID-19 compliance checks and issuing $500 citations that could lead up to temporary suspension of the establishment’s liquor license for subsequent offenses.

Click here to read the announcement. Click here to read the guidelines.

Webinar on Maximizing Your Guest Space: Architects & Planners Offer Reopening Guidance

Join the IRA and experts architects and planners for a webinar Thursday, August 6 at 10:00 a.m. to learn how to open and maximize the safe use of your indoor and outdoor space.

From permits to design, architects and planners from City Open Workshop will join the Illinois Restaurant Association for a webinar offering expert advice for restaurants and bars looking to optimally use their space for guests.

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

**Este seminario web se transmitirá en inglés y español.**

**此网络研讨会有中文及英文两种放送版本**

Click here to register.

Pay Cook County Property Taxes Without Late Fees Through October 1

The Second Installment of Cook County property taxes is due today, but property owners can pay without late fees through October 1, 2020,

Property owners can make partial payments to avoid making one big payment on October 1. Any balance due on the Second Installment after that date will be charged 1.5 percent per month, as required by law.

To download a copy of your tax bill or to make a payment, visit cookcountytreasurer.com

Click here to read more.

Friday Deadline for Chefs to Sign Up for Can't Stop the Hop

Chicago Gourmet’s fan-favorite Hamburger Hop competition will expand in 2020 with Can’t Stop the Hop!

Chefs from across Chicago and around the state are invited to participate by offering a competition burger at your restaurant from Tuesday, September 1 to Sunday, September 13. Chicago Gourmet fans will be encouraged to hop around, try an array of burgers, and virtually vote for their favorites. The winning chef will be announced the week of September 14.

Proceeds from Can’t Stop the Hop will benefit the Illinois Restaurant Association Educational Foundation Restaurant Employee Relief Fund. The fund will be launched in conjunction with Chicago Gourmet come September. We're encouraging participating restaurants to donate $1 from each burger sold to support the Restaurant Employee Relief Fund.

Click here to complete your Can’t Stop the Hop application. Applications are due Friday, August 7. Please contact Ashley Brandon with any questions.