Sen. Duckworth Meeting, Industry Impact Results, Keep Pushing Congress

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 7:15 p.m. on Wednesday, December 9.

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Survey Results Show Dire Situation for Illinois Restaurants - Federal Action Needed Now

The IRA, in coordination with the National Restaurant Association, has released our latest survey results about the status of the restaurant industry in Illinois. Here is what that survey says about Illinois' restaurant climate:

• 91% of Illinois restaurant operators say their total dollar sales volume in October was lower than it was in October 2019

• Overall restaurant sales were down 45% on average

• 58% of Illinois operators say it is unlikely their restaurant will still be in business six months from now if there are no additional relief packages from the federal government

• 51% of Illinois operators say they are considering temporarily closing their restaurant until the COVID-19 pandemic passes

• 65% of restaurant owners anticipate laying off more employees in the next three months

We continue to urge Congress to take immediate action to support restaurants by the end of the year. Here's how you can help our efforts right now:

• Post the above graphic on your personal and business social media channels with the below caption:

• "More than half of Illinois restaurants say they will be out of business in the next six months without federal relief, and two-thirds of restaurants will be forced to lay off more employees in the next three months. Without federal action, thousands of restaurants will permanently close. Support the RESTAURANTS Act by visiting illinoisrestaurants.org. #SaveOurJobs #FightForIllinoisRestaurants @illinoisrestaurants"

• Click here to access a social media toolkit for supporting federal restaurant relief on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter

• Take 10 seconds to send a message to Congress to stress the need for an immediate relief package.

Illinois is currently leading the nation in the number of messages we have sent to Congress during this campaign. Help us keep up the pressure to get a relief package passed.

Restaurant Town Hall with Senator Duckworth - This Friday

Join the Illinois Restaurant Association for a town hall meeting with Senator Tammy DuckworthFriday, December 11 at 11:45 a.m. to discuss the latest updates on federal relief negotiations and the needs of the restaurant and hospitality industry. Attendees will gain an overview of the status of the next federal relief package, and what you can do to help ensure restaurants get the urgent support they need.

Click here to register for the webinar.

Details Emerge on Current Bipartisan Package

A bipartisan group of lawmakers is trying to inch closer to an agreement on a federal coronavirus relief package. The proposed deal focuses on unemployment benefits, aid for small businesses and other targeted assistance rather than direct payments to all Americans.

The group, which started to roll out parts of its bill on Wednesday, is trying to keep the cost of the package below $1 trillion in order to garner Republican support.

The package includes a second round of Paycheck Protection Program funding, but does not include a dedicated relief package for restaurants such as the $120B RESTAURANTS Act.

Click here to read a breakdown of the current package. Click here to read more from CNN.

Expanded Outdoor Dining, Sidewalk Cafe, Extended Business Licenses Ordinance

Today, the Committee on License and Consumer Protection voted to advance an ordinance from Mayor Lightfoot that would:

• Extend business licenses to July 15, 2021

• Allow sidewalk cafes to operate without renewal until June 2021

• Extends a 75% reduction in sidewalk cafe permit fees until March 2022

• Extend the Expanded Outdoor Dining Program through December 2021

• Extends BACP’s authority to issue special liquor licenses

The IRA applauds the Mayor and City Council for advancing this proposal to benefit the restaurant and hospitality industry. The ordinance now heads to the full City Council for approval.

Click here to read the ordinance. Click here to read the prior announcement about the package.

Thursday Webinar - Connect with Customers Through Data Analytics

The National Restaurant Association and International Food and Beverage Technology Association (IFBTA) are joining forces to bring networking and education to the food and beverage community. In a webinar scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 10 at 2:00 p.m. (Central), operators are invited to learn how gaining customer data requires new communication initiatives.

The onset of the global pandemic has opened the restaurant industry’s eyes to the ways in which customer data and data analytics can bolster the efforts of your team and brand. At one time, customer data was primarily the ‘property’ of third-party services who often failed to share the full breadth of that data with the brand itself. With many restaurants now turning to internal processes, the data coming directly to the brand can be used to better communicate with customers and the public.

Click here to register.

It's Not Too Late to Get Your Flu Shot

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is encouraging everyone six months and older who has not yet received the seasonal flu vaccine to get it this week as part of National Influenza Vaccination Week. 

Vaccination is particularly important for people who are most vulnerable to developing serious flu complications, including people with certain chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes and heart disease. In fact, during the last flu season, 9 out of 10 adults hospitalized for flu had at least one reported underlying medical condition according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Viruses spread when infected people cough, sneeze, or talk. Flu usually comes on suddenly. Many of the symptoms of flu and COVID-19 are the same, such as fever and cough, but there are some differences. If you have symptoms of either flu or COVID-19, self-isolate and contact a health care provider. They can talk with you about testing and other measures you should be taking.

Click here to read more.

Access to Justice Offers Services to Vulnerable Populations

Illinois Access to Justice seeks to provide legal representation, resources, and education for those in vulnerable communities dealing with the devastating consequences of incarceration and family separation. 

Click here to learn more and request assistance.