Liquor License Renewals, Chef's Hall of Fame, 80/20 Rule Reminder

Expiring State Liquor Licenses Notice - Renew by the End of 2021

Liquor licensed establishments should be advised that the Illinois Liquor Control Commission (ILCC) will not grant any further liquor license renewal extensions beyond December 31, 2021. Previously, the ILCC extended all state liquor licenses issued with a renewal date of March 31, 2020 or after through December 31, 2021.

Before the end of the year, restaurants and bars must renew and pay for their state liquor license in order to avoid late fees and penalties.

Click here for more information.

Latest on Replenishing the Restaurant Revitalization Fund

A group of mainly House Democrats are circulating a letter to President Biden to urge the Biden Administration to advocate to replenish the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) in any moving legislative vehicle in Congress. The National Restaurant Association has been also been asking additional members of Congress to sign on to the letter.

While we do not expect more RRF funding to be included in the Build Back Better (BBB or “reconciliation”) legislation, this letter reaffirms there is still interest in RRF replenishment in a later package specific to COVID relief. Conversations are active with leaders in both chambers about how to approach COVID relief for industries that were and are still the most impacted by COVID. Restaurants remain at the top of this list for additional assistance. 

Stay tuned for ways to be engaged in our continued efforts to replenish RRF.

Reminder - U.S. Department of Labor Issues 80/20 Final Rule

Recently, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced its Dual Jobs final rule that, as expected, restores the Obama-era “80/20” rule, effectively revoking the Trump administration rule that the National Restaurant Association successfully secured to provide regulatory relief for the industry. Under the final rule, an employer can take a tip credit only when the worker is performing tip producing work or when:  

A tipped employee performs work that directly supports tip producing work for less than 20 percent of the hours worked during the employee’s workweek. Therefore, an employer cannot take a tip credit for any of the time that exceeds 20 percent of the workweek. Time for which an employer does not take a tip credit is excluded in calculating the 20 percent tolerance. 
A tipped employee performs directly supporting work for not more than 30 minutes. Therefore, an employer cannot take a tip credit for any of the time that exceeds 30 minutes. 

The final rule becomes effective December 28, 2021. 

As you know, this arbitrary rule creates mass confusion and enormous compliance challenges. Over the years, it has been a hotly litigated topic and it obviously remains to be seen if the final rule will receive deference from federal judges ruling on these types of lawsuits.

The Restaurant Law Center is evaluating its options regarding a potential legal challenge. We will share additional guidance and information in the coming weeks.

Click here to review the final rule. Read more from Nation's Restaurant News.

US Foods Named in Fast Company’s Inaugural Brands That Matter List

Congratulations to IRA Platinum Sponsor US Foods for recently being named to Fast Company magazine’s inaugural Brands That Matter list.

US Foods was recognized for their groundbreaking programs to deliver on their “We Help You Make It” promise by enabling independent restaurants across the country to survive, and even thrive, during the pandemic. The brand promise came to life through their dedicated experts and broad offering of innovative products, tools and resources.

Click here to read more from US Foods. Click here to see Fast Company's full list.

Black Business Owner Survey

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) Office of Minority Economic Empowerment (OMEE), Chicago State University (CSU) and Chicago Urban League (CUL) are conducting a statewide survey to better understand the unique challenges Black business owners across Illinois are facing. We are requesting your participation if you identify as a Black or African American owned business located in Illinois.

Click here to take a minute to complete the survey.

Tickets Available Now - Chicago Chefs Hall of Fame Dinner

Join the IRA on Monday, December 6 at the Chicago Culinary Museum and Chefs Hall of Fame annual dinner at Joe's Live in Rosemont. The 2021 event theme is Inspirational Women in the Hospitality Industry.  

We are excited to honor IRA Executive Vice President Mary Kay Bonoma, who is being recognized as an Industry Leader. Also being honored at the event: Sarah Grueneberg, Chef of the Year; Meg Galus, Pastry Chef of the Year; Ina Pinkney, Legendary Chef 

Click here to purchase tickets.

Final Day to Apply for Chi Biz Strong and Outdoor Dining Grants

The application portal closes at 11:59 p.m. tonight for the city of Chicago's Chi Biz Strong and Outdoor Dining grants. Eligible businesses with under $3M in revenue can apply for grants of up to $10,000.

Click here to apply now before the deadline.

Submit Your Nominations for IRA Industry Awards

Now is the time to honor a fellow IRA member that goes above and beyond for the community, their employees, and the industry. Nominate your peers for the 2021 IRA Industry Awards today.  

The Sara Rowe ProStart® Company of the Year, Vendor of the Year, and Restaurateur of the Year award winners will be announced at the IRA Annual Meeting held in early 2022.

Please take one moment to nominate your peers for these prestigious honors. Click here to submit nominations by Monday, November 15.