Representing the Best Interests of Illinois' Restaurant Industry

The IRA has achieved countless successes in recent years through our nonstop advocacy efforts. We work with our members and elected officials to successfully protect the interests of the restaurant industry in Illinois on various legislative and regulatory issues. 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the IRA has worked 24/7 to protect and support restaurants so they can survive now and thrive in the future. The Association has achieved the below results on behalf of the restaurant and hospitality industry. 

• Passage of the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) 

  The IRA worked alongside the National Restaurant Association and state restaurant associations around the country to pass the $28.6B Restaurant Relief Fund (RRF) into law in early 2021. We are currently working to facilitate operator applications for funding, and we are advocating for Congress to replenish the Fund as soon as possible. 

• Reopening Restaurants/Bars/Events with Pragmatic Regulations

  The Association remains in constant communication with local and state leaders and public health officials to advocate for the expansion of safe indoor dining and events. 

• Industry Fixes in Paycheck Protection Program

  The IRA worked alongside the National Restaurant Association to urge Congress to make necessary reforms to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), including: extension of the loan covered period from 8 weeks to 24-weeks, additional loan forgiveness eligibility if at least 60% of the loan is used on payroll (instead of 75%), and more.

• Streamlining Outdoor Dining Options and Permits

  The IRA worked with Governor Pritzker and the state of Illinois to allow for expanded outdoor dining options for restaurants and bars during Phase III of Restore Illinois. The city of Chicago also now allows for expanded outdoor dining permits and extended sidewalk cafes.
  

• Cocktails to Go

  The Illinois General Assembly passed legislation that allows for the sale of cocktails to go and for delivery. This pragmatic law change was the direct result of IRA advocacy alongside the Cocktails for Hope initiative. 

• Alcohol Carry Out and Delivery Sales

  During the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the IRA successfully petitioned the Illinois Liquor Control Commission to allow for the sale of beer, wine, and spirits for carry out and delivery from restaurants and bars. 

• Allowing Flexibility Between Retailers and Alcohol Distributors

  Our Association collaborated with the ILCC and liquor distributors to temporarily suspend the state’s retailer delinquency list, and allow for additional payment flexibility between restaurants and distributors.

• Pro Bono Consultant Networks for Restaurants

  The IRA has enlisted a dedicated group of attorneys and architects that are offering pro bono assistance to restaurant operators. These free resources further establish the IRA as the go-to resource for restaurant reopening questions and guidance.

• Capping Fees, Ensuring Transparency from Delivery Services

  The IRA advocated for a temporary cap on fees that third party delivery services can charge onto restaurants in Chicago, and we are working to reinstate that requirement in 2021.  Last year, the city of Chicago took regulatory action due to IRA efforts that requires third party delivery services to fully disclose the fees charged to customers and restaurants on each transaction. This measure creates needed transparency and more fair competition in the delivery space.

• Cutting Chicago Sidewalk Cafe Fees

  The IRA worked with Mayor Lightfoot and the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) to cut sidewalk cafe fees in Chicago by 75% and streamline the process for operators to obtain necessary permits for expanded outdoor dining. 

• Deferred Business Taxes in Chicago and Cook County

  The IRA requested and secured several business tax deferrals from local authorities, including deferred alcohol and amusement taxes in Cook County, and deferred restaurant, parking, and amusement taxes in the city of Chicago. 

• Previous IRA Legislative Victories

• Secured restaurant-friendly concessions and exemptions in Chicago's Fair Workweek ordinance
• Protected tip credit and ensured reasonable minimum wage increases in the city of Chicago, Cook County, and state of Illinois
• Repeal of the Cook County soda tax
• Brought happy hour back to Illinois
• Secured restaurant exemption from the Chicago bag tax

To learn more about the IRA's advocacy efforts, please contact Matt Quinn, Director of Government Relations & Communications. 

If you are a member of the Association that would like to sign up for the IRA Government Relations Committee, please click here.