Mask Requirements, 80/20 Rule Webinar, De-escalation Training

Update on State Mask Requirements for Indoor Places

The IRA is in communication with the state of Illinois regarding the status of mask requirements in indoor public places.

Yesterday, Governor Pritzker noted that he plans to remove the state's mask mandate "as soon as we possibly can," while emphasizing the health of residents as an utmost priority. As hospitalizations are "falling significantly," Pritzker said he is consulting with the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and state epidemiologists to determine when and how the mandate should be lifted.

As metrics continue to improve, the IRA is encouraging the state to lift the mask mandate as soon as practicable. We expect the state to provide additional guidance in the coming days.

Read more from NBC5 Chicago.

IRA on Outlook for Vaccination Requirements in Chicago and Cook County

IRA President & CEO Sam Toia recently spoke with WGN about the promising decline in COVID-19 cases and the potential to have the vaccination requirements for indoor dining in Chicago and Cook County lifted soon.

Click here to watch the segment.

Next Week - Webinar on New DOL Dual Jobs Final Rule and What It Means for Restaurants

The U.S. Department of Labor's new dual jobs or "80/20 rule" regulation is now in effect. Operators can no longer take a tip credit for the time employees spend on tasks considered “directly supporting work” that exceeds 20% of the workweek or 30 continuous minutes.

Join the National Restaurant Law Center for a webinar Thursday, February 17 at 2:00 p.m. (Central) to discuss with this means for restaurants and updates on pending litigation on this issue.

Click here to register.

Mayor Lightfoot Announces Museum Campus Working Group

Today, Mayor Lightfoot announced the creation of a working group that will develop recommendations to enhance and reimagine the visitor experience of Chicago’s lakefront Museum Campus. The campus is a 57-acre crown jewel of Chicago with premier institutions including the Shedd Aquarium, the Field Museum, the Adler Planetarium, Soldier Field, and the Lakeside Center of McCormick Place. It also includes a number of parks including the 12th Street Beach, Northerly Island Park, and the Lakefront Trail.

In addition to working with relevant City departments and sister agencies such as the Chicago Park District, the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, and the Chicago Department of Transportation, this group will also engage with local aldermen.  

IRA President & CEO Sam Toia will serve on the working group with other Chicago leaders and policymakers. Click here to read more.

De-escalation Resources, Training for Restaurants

The IRA continues to assist restaurants as they navigate vaccination requirements for indoor dining.

Our recent webinar with Laner Muchin and Extrity Services reviewed best practices, and the webinar recording be viewed here.

The National Restaurant Association and ServSafe have developed a free course offering restaurant employees guidance on how to reduce tensions and promote a safe environment when following mask and vaccination proof mandates. Click here to learn more.

Don't Trash Glass Recycling Program for Restaurants and Bars