| IRA COVID19 UPDATES |
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July 30, 2021New Mask Recommendations in Chicago
July 28, 2021New CDC Mask Guidelines, Hire Chicago Event
July 23, 2021ENTREE Act, Getting Back to Work
July 15, 2021Child Care Assistance, Hiring Resources
July 13, 2021Extended Driver's Licenses, Workplace Issues
July 9, 2021Input Needed, Hiring Resources
July 7, 2021Crime Prevention, License Renewals
July 2, 2021Hiring Tax Credits, RRF Depleted
June 25, 2021Chi Biz Strong Passes, Cook County Budget Preview
June 23, 2021SNAP Program Pilot, Foodware Upon Request Ordinance
June 21, 2021Relief Requests to State, Restaurant Tax Collection
June 17, 2021Business Relief Package Advances, RRF Priority Letter
June 16, 2021Chicago Gourmet 2021, Hazard Pay Ordinance
June 14, 2021Industry Insight, ILCC Updated FAQs
June 12, 2021SBA Stops RRF Priority Program
June 11, 2021What Operators Need to Know - Phase 5
June 9, 2021Phase 5 Guidance, RRF Replenishment Act
June 7, 2021Vaccine Policies Webinar, Min. Wage Rates
May 25, 2021Golf Classic, Push for RRF Funding
May 21, 2021Mask Regulations, Vaccine Exemption, and More
May 18, 2021Chicago Occupancy, Masks, Distancing Updates
May 17, 2021Updated IL Mask Rules, Chicago/Cook County Rules Remain
May 13, 2021Bridge Phase, Longer Hours, Occupancy/Vaccinations Updates
May 11, 2021SBA Starts Distributing RRF, Alcohol Taxes
May 10, 2021Vaccines Available Today and Tomorrow
May 6, 2021May 14 Start for Bridge Phase, Two Vaccination Events
May 5, 2021Bridge Phase, Sidewalk Cafe Permits
May 3, 2021Apply for RRF at 11:00 a.m. Today
April 26, 2021Bridge Phase, Springfield Lobby Day
April 23, 2021POS Partners for RRF, Bridgeport/Rogers Park Vaccinations
April 21, 2021Rogers Park Vaccine Event, Anti-Retaliation Ordinance
April 19, 2021ProStart Invitational Week, Chicago Delivery Fee Cap
April 17, 2021RRF Sample Application, Exclusive Webinar
April 16, 2021Sidewalk Cafés, Mask Policies
April 14, 2021Mass Vaccination Sites, Chicago Alfresco Deadline
April 12, 2021Revitalization Grant Updates, Lawsuit Proceeds
April 9, 2021FAQ On Revitalization Fund, Monday Vaccine Event
April 8, 2021Expanded Vaccines, Shuttered Venue Grants
April 7, 2021Foodservice Vaccine Event - Next Tuesday in Albany Park
April 5, 2021Public Affairs Conference, Proof of Vaccinations
March 30, 2021Mask Menu Graphic, Federal Grants Update
March 29, 2021Eligibility Starts Today, Share on Social
March 26, 2021Vaccine Eligibility Starts Monday, March 29
March 25, 2021Chicago Outdoor Dining, RRF Timeline
March 24, 2021Criminal History Law, Ramping Up Webinar
March 22, 2021Chicago Alfresco Program, EIDL Extensions
March 19, 2021Expanded Reopening Plan, Vaccine Eligibility, Chicago Restaurant Week
March 18, 2021Expanded Reopening Plan and Vaccine Eligibility
March 17, 2021Chicago Vaccine Update, Phase 4 Changes Coming
March 15, 2021Prepare Now for RRF Applications, Restaurant Week
March 12, 2021Safe Patrick's Day, Revitalization Fund Next Steps
March 10, 2021House Passes Revitalization Fund, PPP Deadline
March 8, 2021$28.6B for Restaurants, Liquor License Extensions
March 5, 2021Hospitality Relief Forum, Jobs Report
March 3, 2021ERTC Guidance, Let's Talk on International Women's Day
March 2, 2021Chicago Moves to 50% Occupancy, 1:00 a.m. Liquor Sales
March 1, 2021Restaurant Relief Webinar, Vaccine Updates
February 22, 2021Annual Meeting, PPP Limitations for Two Weeks
February 19, 2021Hospitality Recovery Hearing, Immigration Reform
February 17, 2021Budget Address, Vaccine Point of Dispensing Sites
February 16, 202140% Occupancy, 50 People/Space in Chicago
February 12, 2021Vaccine Prioritization, PPP Partnership
February 10, 2021Increased Diners Allowed in Chicago/Cook County
February 8, 2021Chicago Indoor Dining, DREAM Act
February 5, 2021Updates on Federal Relief, Min. Wage/Tip Credit
February 4, 2021Vote Expected on Federal Restaurant Relief, Tip Credit
February 2, 2021Cook County Mitigations, Federal Restaurant Funds
February 1, 2021Save Tip Credit, Cook County Property Tax Extension
January 31, 2021City of Chicago Moves to Phase Four, Restrictions Remain
January 29, 2021Chicago Reopening Update, Raise the Wage Act
January 25, 2021Vaccine Policy Guide, Regional Updates
January 23, 2021Indoor Dining Opens in Chicago/Cook County
January 22, 2021Chicago/Cook County Indoor Dining Update, All Regions Out of Tier 3
January 20, 2021FAQ on Mitigations, Vaccine Distribution Update
January 18, 2021Mitigations Update, PPP Webinar
January 15, 2021Announcement on Indoor Dining, Biden Relief Package
January 14, 2021Call for Safe Indoor Dining In Illinois
January 14, 2021Open Indoor Dining, Save Illinois Restaurants
January 13, 2021Menu Trends, Springfield Update
January 11, 2021Fighting for Indoor Dining, PPP Reopens
January 8, 2021PPP 2nd Draw Guide, Mitigations Update
January 6, 2021Mask Rule, Worker Relief Fund
January 4, 2021Small Business Improvement Fund, Wage Reminder
December 24, 2020Tip Credit/Tip Pool Final Rule
December 23, 2020End of Year Message from Sam Toia
December 22, 2020Webinar on Relief Package Overview, FAQ
December 21, 2020Relief Package - What You Need to Know
December 17, 2020Progress Continues on a COVID Relief Package
December 15, 2020COVID Relief Update, Urgent Plea to Governor Pritzker
December 11, 2020Safety Survey, Employee Support
December 10, 2020Legal Update, Post for Federal Action
December 9, 2020Sen. Duckworth Meeting, Industry Impact Results
December 8, 2020Share Industry Voices and Contact Congress
December 7, 2020Take Action Now for Federal Relief
December 4, 2020Appealing Property Tax Assessments, Tip Credit Rule
December 2, 2020Harassment Prevention Training, $120M+ in BIG Grants
November 30, 2020Industry Awards, Supporting Employees in Need
November 23, 2020Input Needed, Delivery Fee Cap Passes
November 19, 2020New Mitigations Effective Tomorrow, Coronavirus Impact Survey
November 17, 2020Third Party Delivery Fee Update, New Statewide COVID-19 Mitigations
November 16, 2020Third Party Delivery Fee Cap, New Revenue Streams Webinar
November 13, 2020Call on Congress, Stay at Home Advisory
November 11, 2020#FightForIllinoisRestaurants Campaign, Impact Survey
November 11, 2020Post at 11:30 Today - IL Restaurants Need Help!
November 9, 2020New Mitigations, IRA Working on Delivery Fee Cap
November 5, 2020Chicago Delivery Fee Cap, Hospitality Grants
November 4, 2020Update on Election Results
November 2, 2020All Regions in Mitigation, Join Our Campaign
October 30, 2020Legal Actions, Mitigation Guidelines
October 29, 2020What Happens Now - Dining Regulations
October 28, 2020Take Action on Social, Lake/McHenry in Mitigation
October 27, 2020Chicago In Mitigation, Effective Oct. 30
October 26, 2020Cook County/Metro East Mitigations, Join Our Campaign
October 23, 20202,500+ Voices Join Campaign to Keep Restaurants Open
October 22, 2020Chicago Business Curfew, Contact State Leaders
October 21, 2020Action Needed, Regional Mitigations
October 19, 2020Rise in COVID-19 Cases, Relief Fund Applications Open
October 15, 20202021 Cook County Budget Plan, DoorDash Grants
October 13, 2020Restaurant Legal Summit, Halloween BACP Webinar
October 9, 2020PPP Forgiveness Update, Metro East Reopens
October 7, 2020President Halts Relief Negotiations, Best Big City (x4)
October 5, 2020Layoffs/WARN Act Webinar, Region 6 Warning
October 2, 2020House Passes HEROES Act, Detailed Chicago Regulations
September 29, 2020House Relief Package, Reopening Webinars, Region 1 Mitigations
September 28, 2020Chicago Moves to 40% Occupancy, Longer Hours, Taverns Open Indoor
September 25, 2020Call on Congress, Operator Survey
September 23, 2020De-escalation Strategies, Business Interruption Grants
September 22, 2020Reminder - Share "Serving You Safely" Today
September 21, 2020Post on Social Tomorrow - Serving You Safely
September 19, 2020New Outdoor Dining Guidelines, Feedback Needed
September 18, 2020Kankakee/Will Open, Cook County Grants Available
September 17, 2020Chicago Operators - We Need Your Input
September 16, 2020Requests to Mayor Lightfoot, WARN Act Reminder
September 15, 2020Sign Letter to Mayor Lightfoot
September 14, 2020Silent Auction, IL Economic Impact
September 11, 2020CDC Report, Federal Relief Update
September 9, 2020Tell Your Restaurant Story, Additional Occupancy
September 4, 2020Updates on Indoor Dining Occupancy
September 2, 2020Payroll Tax Deferrals, Rep. Quigley Town Hall
August 31, 2020Chicago Budget Forecast, Impact Survey
August 28, 202030 Counties at Warning Levels, Weekend Update
August 25, 2020New Face Covering Guidelines, Winter Design Contest
August 24, 2020Will/Kankakee Mitigations, Chicago Gourmet Announcement
August 21, 2020James Beard Awards Update, Maximizing Space Guide
Aug 19, 2020Face Coverings Guidance, Women's Restaurant Week
Aug 17, 2020Travel Risk Map, Metro East Mitigations
Aug 14, 2020IRAEF Employee Relief Fund
Aug 12, 2020Chicago Restricted Access Continues, Mask Rule Passes
Aug 10, 2020Chicago Restricted Access at 8:00 p.m., IL Rental Assistance
Aug 7, 2020State Enforcement Order, Unemployment Extended
Aug 5, 2020Take Action on PPP, Maximizing Space Webinar
Aug 3, 2020Cook County Guidelines, PPP Improvements Needed
July 31, 2020Expanded Outdoor Opportunities for Bars, Restaurant Relief Update
July 29, 2020HEALS Act Breakdown, Cook County Travel Order
July 27, 2020Stimulus Package, ILCC Allows Payment Plans
July 24, 2020Delinquency List Resumes, Sangamon Restrictions
July 22, 2020Delivery Agreement Required Ordinance, Tariffs Update
July 20, 2020Chicago Bars Must Close Indoor Service, Restaurants Limited to Six Per Table
July 17, 2020Blue Print for Revival, Mass Walkout in Strike for Black Lives
July 16, 2020New IL Mitigation Plan, Chicago "On the Precipice"
July 15, 2020Take Action: Support the Blueprint for Revival
July 14, 2020Retaliation Prohibited, Protecting Your Business Webinar
July 13, 2020Testing Locations, Extending Business Licenses Ordinance
July 10, 2020Free Reopening Training, Chicago Midnight Closing Time
July 9, 2020Chicago Midnight Closing Time for Incidental/Tavern Licenses
July 8, 2020Anti-Retaliation Ordinance, EMPLOYERS Now Platinum Sponsor
July 7, 2020Share the Promise, Keep Places Open
July 6, 2020Ensuring Compliance, Free Design Consultations
July 3, 2020Spread the Word on Social - Covered Faces Keep Open Places
July 2, 2020$10,000 Fines, Closures for Noncompliance
July 1, 2020Holiday Precautions and Enforcement, Standing Areas
June 30, 2020What To Do Guide, ILCC Delinquency List
June 29, 2020Follow the Pledge for Safely Reopening
June 26, 2020Welcome Back to Indoor Dining
June 25, 2020Phase IV Begins, Business Interruption Grants
June 24, 2020Indoor Reopening Survey, Testing Locations
June 23, 2020Occupancy in Chicago, PPP Forgiveness Updates
June 22, 2020Illinois Phase IV Guidelines Announced
June 20, 2020Reopening Indoor Dining, Rain Reminder
June 19, 2020Chicago Phase IV - 25% Occupancy or 50 People Per Room Max
June 18, 2020Outdoor Dining Design, DACA Ruling
June 17, 2020Cocktails to Go in Chicago, Free Reopening Training
June 16, 2020Sidewalk Café FAQ, Impact Statistics
June 15, 2020Chicago Bars Open June 17, Staffing Issues Webinar
June 12, 2020Free Design Consultations, Staffing/Legal Issues Webinar
June 11, 2020Expanded Sidewalk Cafés, Liquor FAQs
June 10, 2020Minimum Wage Increases, Building Repair Guide
June 9, 2020Sanitizing/Consumer Confidence Webinar, Surcharge Guidance
June 8, 2020Chicago Hours of Operation, Cook County Loans Available
June 6, 2020Notice - Chicago Enforcement at Restaurants
June 5, 2020Rain Procedures, President Signs PPP Fix Bill
June 4, 2020Reopening Supplies, Sidewalk Café Fees
June 3, 2020PPP Fixes Passed by Congress!
June 2, 2020Cocktails to Go, Suspended Delinquency List, Chicago Reopening
June 2, 2020Chicago Outdoor Dining Starts Tomorrow
June 1, 2020Imminent PPP Vote, Expanded Outdoor Dining in Chicago
May 29, 2020Sidewalk Cafe, Outdoor Dining FAQ
May 29, 2020Senate PPP Fix Needed, Chicago Street Closures, 11:00 p.m. Liquor Sales
May 28, 2020Chicago Reopening June 3, Senate Action Needed on PPP
May 27, 2020House PPP Bill Update, Reopening Vendors/Resources
May 26, 2020Chicago Reopening Guidance, IL Restaurant Pledge
May 25, 2020Take the IL Restaurant Pledge, PPP Changes on the Horizon
May 24, 2020Reopening Guidance for Outdoor Dining
May 23, 2020IL Passes Cocktails-to-Go, Chicago Casino Bill
May 22, 2020Loan Forgiveness Webinar, Chicago Reopening in Early June
May 21, 2020Outdoor Dining Updates, PPP Fix Stalls
May 20, 2020Outdoor Dining Announcement From Governor
May 19, 2020Loan Forgiveness Webinar, ServSafe Reopening Guidance
May 18, 2020Fines for Non-Compliant Businesses, President Meets with Restaurants
May 16, 2020PPP Loan Forgiveness Application, House Passes HEROES Act
May 15, 2020Nearing 20,000 Messages, PPE Equipment Resources
May 14, 2020Commission Cap Hearing, Add Your Voice
May 13, 2020HEROES Act, Cook County Property Taxes
May 12, 2020Transparency Rules for Delivery, Fair Workweek Rules
May 11, 202010,000 Messages and Counting, Take Action Tuesday
May 8, 2020Campaign to Fix Restore Illinois, Chicago Plan Announced
May 7, 2020Action Alert: Fix the Restore Illinois Plan to Save Restaurants
May 6, 2020Changes Needed in Restore Illinois Plan
May 5, 2020Restore Illinois Plan Announced
May 4, 2020JBF Nominees, Cocktails to Go
May 1, 2020JBF Nominees, Workplace Poster Required
April 30, 2020Wine/Liquor Returns, Strategies for Reopening
April 28, 2020Reopening Guidelines, New Executive Order
April 27, 2020Judge Blocks Stay at Home Order
April 24, 2020President Signs PPP Funding
April 23, 2020Stay at Home Extended, House Passes PPP Funding
April 22, 2020Anti-Retaliation, Delivery Commission Cap Ordinances
April 21, 2020Reopening Illinois Survey, Senate Approves PPP Funding
April 20, 2020Blueprint for Recovery, Economic Impact Survey
April 19, 2020PPP Funding Close, Suburban Cook County Assistance
April 17, 2020IRA Requests to Governor Pritzker
April 16, 2020PPP Funding Exhausted, Accounting/Legal Questions
April 15, 2020HR Challenges Webinar, Push for PPP Improvements
April 14, 20203rd Party Delivery Commission Fees, Workers' Comp Rule
April 13, 2020FDA Best Practices, Impact Survey
April 10, 2020Take Action: Bipartisan Improvements Needed
April 9, 2020Full Time Equivalent, Operation Status on PPP Applications
April 8, 2020Get Your PPP Questions Answered Tomorrow Legal and Banking Answers for Restaurants
April 7, 2020New Treasury Guidance and DOL FAQ Cook County PPP Webinar
April 6, 2020Tomorrow: Webinar on PPP Applications
April 4, 2020PPP Lender Issues
April 3, 2020Preparing Critical Documents, Upcoming Webinar
April 2, 2020Paycheck Protection Program Live Tomorrow
April 1, 2020Watch On Demand: Webinar on CARES Act for Restaurants Paycheck Protection Application, Stay at Home Order
March 30, 2020Emergency Loan Guide, ILCC Mixed Drinks Bulletin
March 29, 2020CARES Act Webinar, Call Your Bank
March 27, 2020Webinar - Phase 3 Impact on Restaurants House Passes Phase 3
March 26, 2020Analysis: Impact of Phase 3, Friday Webinar Senate Passes Relief, House Vote Friday
March 25, 2020Senate Vote Pending, Small Restaurant Grants, Mixed Drinks Deal Reached on Federal Relief
March 24, 2020Help Pass House Democratic Relief Package
March 23, 2020Washington Update, Essential Employees **ACTION ALERT** Tell Congress: Keep Fighting For Restaurant Relief
March 22, 2020Next Steps - House Action Needed 5:00 p.m. FED Update Federal Relief Update
March 21, 2020Take Action Now - Progress Being Made on Rubio Bill
March 20, 2020Shelter in Place, Legal Network Available
March 19, 2020Federal Relief, SBA Loans, Chicago Fund
March 18, 2020National Relief; Emergency Leave; Unemployment; State Guidance
March 17, 2020Alcohol Sale Guidance for Restaurants
March 16, 2020Carry Out Permitted, Impact Study Fix the Coronavirus Relief Bill!
March 15, 2020Closure of Dining Rooms, Guidance Coming Restaurants Closed to Public Until March 30 Liquor Establishment Capacity Cap at 100, Paid Sick Leave, FMLA Bills
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Please contact Matt Quinn, Director of Government Relations & Communications, at (312) 380-4122 or mquinn@illinoisrestaurants.org with any comments or questions about legislation, regulations, or IRA advocacy efforts. |
12/11/2025Hemp Beverages Excluded from Proposed Ban, Free Certification Classes, & More
12/10/2025Crain's Chicago Business: Hemp ban delayed, but one carve-out makes City Council OK more likely
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1/5/2026 » 1/12/2026
FREE Manager Class Mon 1/5 & 1/12 (Spanish 2-day class)
1/6/2026
FREE Manager Class Tues 1/6
1/13/2026
FREE Manager Class Tues 1/13
We could not accomplish all that we do without the generous support of our corporate sponsors
Founded in 1914, the Illinois Restaurant Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting, protecting, educating and improving the restaurant industry in Illinois.
33 W. Monroe, Ste 250
Chicago, IL 60603
Ph: 312-787-4000
Fax: 312-787-4792
