Chicago, State to Reach Phase 5 on June 11, Mask Rule Remains for Unvaccinated Patrons

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 6:05 p.m. on Thursday, June 3.

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City of Chicago, State of Illinois Set to Fully Reopen in Phase 5 on Friday, June 11, Mask Rule for Unvaccinated Patrons Remains

Earlier today, Mayor Lightfoot announced that the city of Chicago will be moving to Phase 5 - aligning with the state of Illinois - on Friday, June 11. This means that the city will join the state in being fully reopen, effective next Friday.

With the onset of Phase 5, businesses and event operators, including restaurants, bars, caterers and venues will no longer be subject to capacity or social distancing requirements from the state of Illinois.

Individuals will still be required to adhere to the state-wide mask rule for unvaccinated persons and vaccinated persons in critical settings identified by the CDC (e.g. transit, hospitals, etc.).

Read more from Chicago Sun-Times and NBC5 Chicago.

Stay tuned for more information on the Phase 5 rollout. We will provide a full set of Phase 5 guidelines and FAQs as soon as they are available. Contact Matt Quinn with any questions.

Governor Pritzker Signs Cocktails to Go Extension, Free Drink with Proof of Vaccination Bill

Yesterday, Governor Pritzker signed into law a bill that extends cocktails to go in Illinois until 2024, allows credit card payments between retailers and liquor distributors, and temporarily allows for retailers to offer a single, complimentary, alcoholic drink to patrons that offer proof of vaccination.

The provision of the bill that allows liquor licensees to offer a free alcoholic drink is in place from June 10 to July 10, 2021, and will only be allowed from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. nightly. A retailer's participation in the program is voluntary.

Read more from CBS2 Chicago.

Now Available - IRA Golf Classic Early Bird Tickets and Sponsorships

Sign up now to join us at the IRA Annual Golf Classic at St. Andrews Golf & Country Club on Wednesday, August 4.

The day includes 18 holes of golf, breakfast, lunch, dinner reception and a silent auction & raffle. We are excited to be back, following guidelines and reconnecting on the links.

Click here to purchase your tickets today. The Early Bird rate ends Thursday, July 1.

Sponsorship opportunities are available. Click here to view our 2021 sponsorship packet.

Contact Clare Boyce with any questions about the event.

Hiring Resources from JCFS Chicago and Duman Opportunity Center

JCFS Chicago and the Duman Opportunity Center are dedicated to helping employers in Cook and Lake Counties build a diverse and inclusive workplace. Through innovative and forward-thinking programs, they match qualified candidates to meet your specific hiring needs.

Click here to learn more about their programs for employers.

Click here to watch a short video highlighting how employers have partnered with JCFS to diversify and build their workforce.