State of Illinois Executive Order: "To-Go", Carry Out, Take Out Permitted Governor Pritzker has issued an official Executive Order that mandates the closure of on-premise dining in Illinois restaurants. Due to the advocacy of the IRA, the Executive Order clarifies that "to-go", carry out, and take out will be permitted at Illinois restaurants. Click here to read the text of the Executive Order. Read the paragraph related to restaurants below: "Beginning March 16, 2020 at 9:00 p.m. through March 30, 2020, all businesses in the State of Illinois that offer food or beverages for on-premises consumption—including restaurants, bars, grocery stores, and food halls—must suspend service for and may not permit on-premises consumption. Such businesses are permitted and encouraged to serve food and beverages so that they may be consumed off-premises, as currently permitted by law, through means such as in-house delivery, third-party delivery, drive-through, and curbside pick-up. In addition, customers may enter the premises to purchase food or beverages for carry-out. However, establishments offering food or beverages for carry-out, including food trucks, must ensure that they have an environment where patrons maintain adequate social distancing. Businesses located in airports, hospitals, and dining halls in colleges and universities are exempt from the requirements of this Executive Order. Hotel restaurants may continue to provide room service and carry-out. Catering services may continue." Additional operational guidelines are expected from the state of Illinois soon. We will share this information as soon as it is available.

City of Chicago Issues Guidance for Restaurants and Bars Following Governor Pritzker's Executive Order, the city of Chicago has issued additional guidance for restaurants and bars. Effective tonight at 9:00 p.m., and lasting through March 30th, all restaurants and bars in Chicago must cease their regular operations and follow updated guidelines: The consumption of food or beverage is not permitted inside a restaurant or bar Congregation of any kind is not permitted inside or outside a restaurant or bar  Drive-thru, delivery and carry out or curbside pick-up can continue, with the restaurant owner responsible to ensure social distancing policies are in place and followed. Click here to read the notice and FAQs from the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP).

State Working to Secure SBA Loans; Feedback Needed The state of Illinois is working with the federal Small Business Administration (SBA) to provide targeted, low-interest loans to small businesses and non-profits that have been severely impacted by coronavirus.   As a part of this process, the state needs to collect information from small businesses that will be negatively impacted. This information will assist the state in requesting an economic injury disaster declaration from SBA. Please take two minutes to complete this survey , so the state of Illinois can provide the necessary information to SBA.

Please be sure to check our website for the latest coronavirus updates, and see the above resources and information for your business - updated as of 5:00 p.m. Monday, March 16.

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