FRIDAY, JUNE 12
Pro Bono Architectural Design Network for Outdoor Dining - Sign Up for a Consultation
In partnership with the Illinois Restaurant Association, City Open Workshop is offering pro bono architectural design assistance for outdoor dining at restaurants. Click here to visit the resource guide and reach out to qualified professionals today.

If you are interested in learning more and partnering with professional architects, landscape designers, and zoning professionals, click here to submit an inquiry.
 
In addition, City Open Workshop is hosting a series of virtual design sessions and office hours for small businesses. For more information and to sign up, click here . 
Phase IV Guidelines in Development

The IRA has been working with both the state of Illinois and city of Chicago on developing the guidelines for restaurants and bars during Phase IV of Restore Illinois . The earliest date any region of the state can reach Phase IV is June 26.

We will provide these new guidelines for Phase IV as soon as they are available.

Click here to review the state of Illinois' guidance for outdoor dining and drinking at restaurants and bars during Phase III. Click here to review the city of Chicago's guidance for outdoor dining at restaurants during Phase III.
Staffing and Return to Work Legal Issues Webinar
Join the IRA and panelists from US Foods and law firm Laner Muchin Tuesday, June 16 at 2:00 p.m. for a webinar providing strategies and guidance for staffing your operation and returning to work legal issues.

This webinar will feature remarks from Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and is provided in partnership with the Cook County Community Recovery Initiative .

Click here to register.
Bulk Bottle Distribution Program for Cocktails To Go

Effective June 2, cocktails to go are now permitted in the state of Illinois. The city of Chicago is expected to pass legislation to allow for the sale of cocktails on June 17.

Cocktails for Hope is currently gauging interest in a bulk bottle distribution program with the help of Apologue and CH Distillery. The bottles and tamper-evident caps are compliant with state regulations. By purchasing the bottles in bulk, the cost of bottles will be reduced for all interested establishments.

Click here to indicate your interest in this bulk bottle distribution program.
Download the Illinois Restaurant Pledge for Your Business
In partnership with the IRA and health officials across the state, restaurant owners and operators make these commitments to earn this endorsement during the COVID-19 recovery period. 

When customers see this endorsement, they can be comfortable that the restaurant is taking all necessary steps to protect their employees and customers and is committed to playing a leadership role in protecting our communities.

Click here  to download the poster for your establishments.
City of Chicago Business Self-Certification for Reopening Now Available
The city of Chicago has developed a new self-certification program for businesses that plan to reopen. Employers are highly encouraged to indicate their ability to comply with the city's standards by completing the self-certification process.

Click here  to read more and take the self-certification.
Expanded Sidewalk Cafe Permit, Outdoor Dining Liquor Licenses Ordinance Passes Transportation Committee

Yesterday, the Committee on Transportation and Public Way passed an ordinance introduced by Mayor Lightfoot to remove regulatory burdens and provide financial relief to Chicago restaurants seeking to operate outdoors. Click here to read the full announcement.

The ordinance makes the following changes:

  • Permit Fees for 2020 Sidewalk Cafes Will Be Reduced by 75%.
  • BACP will issue refunds for any permits already issued in 2020.
  • Permit fees are determined based on the size of the sidewalk café and take into account land values.

  • Extended Sidewalk Café Footprints
  • Sidewalk cafés can extend into the public way in front of a neighboring property.
  • The extended sidewalk café must continue uninterrupted and cannot block the door or window of an occupied neighboring property. However, the extended sidewalk café can block the windows of a vacant property.
  • Extended sidewalk cafés cannot extend into the public way in front of a neighboring Retail Food Establishment or Retail Liquor Establishment.
  • Extended sidewalk cafés are limited to a single neighboring property.
  • If an extended sidewalk café is on the property side of the sidewalk, the applicant must notify the owner and occupant of the neighboring property in writing and include that notice in their applicant. No such notice is required if the sidewalk café is on the curb side of the sidewalk.
  • Insurance coverage must be submitted to include the entire footprint of the extended sidewalk café.

  • Expedited Permit Issuance
  • Sidewalk café permits can be issued without needing to be introduced as an ordinance to City Council.
  • Applicants would still need to submit their application initially to the local alderman for review.
  • After submission to BACP of a complete application, permits can then be issued upon payment.
  • This will reduce the time to issue permits by up to 30 days. 

  • Extended Terms for Liquor Licenses Issued under the Expanded Outdoor Dining Permit Program
  • Under the Expanded Outdoor Dining Permit, which is processed by DCASE and issued under the CDOT authority, establishments with valid Retail Food Establishment Licenses can apply to temporarily expand operations into the street or other private property (i.e. parking lots).
  • This activity is different than that allowed under the Sidewalk Café Permit, which allows operation on the sidewalk directly in front of or adjacent to the establishment, and has been created specifically to support restaurants during Phase III.
  • Establishments that seek to serve liquor under the Expanded Outdoor Dining Permit must obtain a Special Event Liquor License from BACP. The proposed ordinance would extend the term of the Special Event Liquor License for any license issued under the Expanded Outdoor Dining Permit Program to 180 days.

Click here to read the ordinance. The ordinance now advances to the City Council, and is expected to pass Wednesday, June 17.

Read more:

Please  visit our website  for the latest COVID-19 updates, in addition to the above resources and information for your business. Updated as of 5:00 p.m. on Friday, June 12.