Vaccine Policy Guide, Regional Updates, Mental Health and Wellness Support Webinar

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

Please see the below resources and information for your business - updated as of 6:00 p.m. on Monday, January 25.

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Restaurant Guidance: Legal Issues to Consider Regarding COVID-19 Mandatory Vaccine Policies

The Restaurant Law Center has created a guide to address questions surrounding mandatory vaccine policies.

As a best practice, restaurants should encourage all employees to get the COVID-19 vaccine when it becomes available. However, some restaurants are considering going further by mandating it for certain employees. The document addresses legal questions raised by those wanting to go the extra step by mandating the COVID-19 vaccine as a condition of employment.

Click here to read the guide.

The National Restaurant Association and Restaurant Law Center will be hosting a webinar on this topic Thursday, February 11 at 2:00 p.m. (Central).

Click here to register for the event.

Regions 1 and 2 Advance to Phase 4, Regions 8 and 9 Expected to Move to Tier 1 Tomorrow

Today, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced Regions 1 and 2 are moving to Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois Plan effective immediately.  

If all the mitigation metrics continue to improve, regions 8 and 9 will move into Tier 1 on Tuesday, January 26.

Click here to check which tier and phase regions are in currently.

Click here to read the FAQ from DCEO on what is allowed during each tier of mitigations.

Status of Indoor Dining at Restaurants by Region (as of Monday, January 25)

• Indoor dining at restaurants is permitted in Regions 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6 at levels allowed in Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois plan, with occupancy limits determined by social distancing of six feet.

• Indoor dining at restaurants is now permitted in Regions 7, 10, and 11 at 25% occupancy or 25 people per room (whichever is fewer), as allowed in Tier 1 mitigations.

• Indoor dining at restaurants is not yet permitted in Regions 4, 8, and 9, which have only advanced to Tier 2 mitigations (where indoor service at restaurants is not permitted).

Tomorrow - BACP Webinar on Tier 1 Mitigations for Hospitality Industry

The Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection is hosting a webinar for restaurant and bar operators and employees tomorrow, Tuesday January 26 at 2:00 p.m. to review Tier 1 mitigations for the industry.

Click here to register.

Nation's Restaurant News 2021 Power List

Congratulations to IRA Advisory Council member Rohini Dey of Vermilion, McDonald's CEO Chris Kempczinski, and Lucy Brady, McDonald's Chief Digital Customer Engagement Officer for being featured in Nation's Restaurant News' 2021 Power List. Dey was recognized for her work as Founder of the 10-city network of women operators called Let’s Talk.

The list celebrates the best in restaurant leadership — those who demonstrate innovation and resilience, who champion diversity and inclusion in their companies, and who strengthen the industry with leadership and knowledge sharing.

Click here to read the full list from Nation's Restaurant News.

PPP, EIDL, Federal Assistance Webinar - Wednesday Afternoon

Join the IRA and partners from the Cook County Community Recovery Initiative Wednesday, January 27 at 2:00 p.m. to learn about the second draw of Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL), and how to unlock loans from local lenders.

Click here to register.

Click here for an overview of the 2nd draw of PPP for restaurants.

This Thursday - Mental Health and Wellness Support for Restaurant Workers Webinar

As restaurant and bar workers strive to cope during this time, join the IRA and panelists from Hope for the Day, HUB International, and UnitedHealthcare Thursday, January 28 at 10:00 a.m. for a webinar offering ideas, programs, and resources that may be helpful right now for restaurant workers that are struggling.

Click here to register.

ServSafe Sanitation Manager Training - IRA Class Schedule Posted Through April

The IRA's Sanitation Manager class schedule is posted through April. Protect your business and reassure your customers that you are prepared to meet ongoing challenges by having certified Sanitation Managers on staff. 

The IRA is your trusted source for training and certification. We are complying with all new safety and social distancing guidelines, and limiting classes to groups of 18 - with seating six feet apart. All attendees will be required to wear a face mask, and bring a #2 pencil for the certification exam.

Our instructors are recognized as leaders in foodservice instruction, and are certified by the Chicago Department of Public Health and the National Restaurant Association.

We offer classes every week, year-round, with bilingual instruction available in English and Spanish. IRA members receive discounted pricing.

Sign up today for a class through April, or call (312) 787-4000 to schedule a private class at your location.