Sidewalk Cafes, Mask Policies

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 5:00 p.m. on Friday, April 16.

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Chicago Sidewalk Cafés Applications Available Next Week, Extended Cafés Allowed Through 2021

Next week, the city of Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) will release the 2021 Sidewalk Café Permit Application. As a reminder, the Chicago City Council recently passed an ordinance that made the following changes:

• All current Sidewalk Café Permits will be considered active through May 31, 2021 and businesses with a Sidewalk Café Permit can operate their current Sidewalk Cafés until that date without renewing.

• All Sidewalk Café Permits issued for the 2021 season will benefit from the temporary reforms implemented in 2020: permit fee reduction of 75%, the ability to extend in front of neighboring property, and an expedited permit issuance process.

• The Expanded Outdoor Dining Program, through which bars and restaurants can operate outside on private property or closed streets, has been extended to last through the end of 2021.

Click here to read more about the city's sidewalk café reforms and prepare materials to be ready to apply.

Download for Your Menus - Mask Policy Graphic

The IRA has created a graphic template for operators to add to their touchless menus in order to remind customers of the state of Illinois' requirement that patrons wear masks/face coverings at all times when not actively eating or drinking.

We urge all operators to utilize the graphic at your establishments to reinforce the need for masks and face coverings, which will help keep restaurants and bars on a safe and steady path for reopening and recovery.

Click here to download the template and add it to your menus.

Review the RRF FAQ to Prepare for Applications

The National Restaurant Association recently released an extensive FAQ on the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF).

While we await the release of the RRF application from SBA, operators should review the FAQ now to begin preparing critical documents for their applications.

Click here to review the FAQs for updates about applications, eligibility, determining grant amounts, and more common operator questions.

Next Week - Webinar on Fresh Plans for Welcoming Guests

Join the IRA and panelists from Special Events Management, Gibsons Restaurant Group, and Christopoulos Law Group on Thursday, April 22 at 10:00 a.m. for a webinar offering ideas to make effective and creative use of all your space to serve guests, as well as expert guidance on permits and licenses. Hear how operators are transitioning their available guest space into spring & summer.

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

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

Click here to register.

Last Chance to Register - National Public Affairs Conference

The National Restaurant Association Public Affairs Conference is on Tuesday, April 20, and the IRA will be hosting meetings with several Congressional leaders on Wednesday, April 21. 

Click here to review the agenda, which is being updated frequently. 

Click here to register today for $50 with promo code PAFCMEMBER. Contact Matt Quinn with any questions.