Mitigations FAQ, Events at Restaurants Not Permitted During Tier 2 and Tier 3 Mitigations
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) has issued an updated FAQ for the tiers of mitigation in Illinois' 11 regions.
As of Monday, January 18 - Regions 8, 9, 10, and 11 have moved from the most restrictive Tier 3 to Tier 2. In addition, Regions 1, 2, and 6 have moved to Tier 1, and Regions 3 and 5 have returned to Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois Plan, effective immediately.
Click here to review the updated Restore Illinois mitigation framework. Click here to review current regional metrics.
Status of Indoor Dining and Events at Restaurants By Region
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Indoor dining at restaurants is permitted in Region 3 and Region 5 at levels allowed in Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois plan, with occupancy limits determined by social distancing of six feet.
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Indoor dining at restaurants is now permitted in Regions 1, 2, 6 at 25% occupancy or 25 people per room (whichever is fewer), as allowed in Tier 1 mitigations. Region 2 advanced to Tier 1 mitigations on Sunday.
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Indoor dining at restaurants is not yet permitted in other regions, including the city of Chicago (Region 11), which has only advanced to Tier 2 mitigations (where indoor service at restaurants is not permitted).
- In Tier 1, bars and restaurants can hold meetings or events so long as food is provided. Capacity is limited to the lesser of 25 people or 25% capacity of the room.
- In Tiers 2 and 3, bars and restaurants are not permitted to have any indoor dining and service, and therefore may not host meetings, events or gatherings within their establishment.
- Please note that the city of Chicago's interpretation of Tier 2 restrictions is as follows:
- "Indoor events of 10 people or fewer in restaurants can resume if food is served and only in locations that are designated and typically used for private events only (i.e. banquet halls within restaurants)."
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Click here to review the city of Chicago's reopening regulations
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President Biden Executive Orders
On his first day in office, President Biden has signed 17 executive orders on issues including COVID-19, the economy, environment, and immigration - including action to fortify the DACA program to maintain protections for undocumented people brought into the country as children.
The IRA and National Restaurant Association strongly support much-needed immigration reform.
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Greg Schulson Joins Panel With Mayor Lightfoot
Earlier today, IRA Chairman Greg Schulson of Lunan Corporation/Burrito Beach joined Mayor Lightfoot and a panel of business and community leaders to discuss prospects for the incoming Biden administration.
Schulson stressed the need for greater federal relief for restaurants - including a dedicated fund for the hospitality industry - similar to what the auto, banking, and airline industries have received in the past.
“Our almost singular focus right now is keeping people employed. Anything you can do to bring dollars into the restaurant industry, into the hospitality industry, tourism, the hotels to get people back to Chicago to then visit the restaurants — those are the things that would really help give more opportunities to people we employ,” Schulson said.
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Vaccine Distribution for Restaurant Workers in Phase 1C
Both the state of Illinois and city of Chicago have recently moved into Phase 1B of vaccine distribution. Additional vaccination sites are opening across the state to ensure vaccines are administered as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Restaurant employees will be included in Phase 1C of vaccine distribution. At this time, it has not been established when Phase 1C of vaccine distribution will begin at the state level. The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) has stated that the city will tentatively look to enter Phase 1C on March 29.
The IRA continues to stress the need to prioritize restaurant workers for vaccines as quickly as possible. We will share additional updates from local and state officials as Phase 1C approaches and more details are available.
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Tomorrow - BACP Webinar on Navigating Tier 2 Mitigations in City of Chicago
On January 18, the state of Illinois announced that Chicago has met the required metrics to move to Tier 2 mitigation measures. Join a webinar with the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) on Thursday, January 21 at 2:00 p.m. to learn about these new regulations and how to stay compliant.
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Sign Up for Chicago Restaurant Week 2021 |
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Don’t miss the opportunity to participate in the 14th annual Chicago Restaurant Week promotion taking place Friday, March 19 – Sunday, April 4, 2021. Chicago Restaurant Week has a history of generating significant awareness and sales for restaurants, and your participation is welcome.
The deadline to register and submit your menu(s) is Friday, February 12. This year, the program emphasis will be on dine in, take out, and delivery based on current city and state mandates. You must be a partner of Choose Chicago in order to participate.
All additional participation fees have been waived this year. For more information on Choose Chicago partnership opportunities and Chicago Restaurant Week please contact partnership@choosechicago.com.
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Restaurants Ask SBA/Treasury to Protect, Enhance Access to PPP
The IRA has been collecting recommendations on ways to improve the second draw of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) for restaurants, and have shared your feedback with the National Restaurant Association.
The National Restaurant Association recently submitted comments to the Small Business Administration and Treasury to urge them to incorporate restaurant priorities in the second draw of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), including:
- Removing limitations for restaurant groups
- Enhancing loan fund access to reflect the NAICS 72 multiplier that restaurants secured in legislation
- Flexibility on the time period to determine revenue losses, and
- Change of ownership eligibility
Click here for an overview of the 2nd draw of PPP for restaurants.
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Please visit our website for the latest COVID-19 updates, in addition to the above resources and information for your business. Updated as of 6:40 p.m. on Wednesday, January 20.
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THANK YOU TO OUR CORPORATE SPONSORS |
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