Free ServSafe Reopening Training Videos Available
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The IRA is committed to helping you address information and training needs related to the coronavirus pandemic. ServSafe and the National Restaurant Association have prepared free training videos outlining the steps restaurant line level employees are encouraged to utilize in returning to full-service operations.
Watch the videos on demand below:
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Chicago Incidental and Tavern Licensees Must Close at Midnight Each Evening Effective Immediately, Food Delivery/Curbside Pickup Permitted Past Midnight
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Effective immediately, all bars, restaurants, breweries and other establishments in the city of Chicago that serve alcohol for on-premises consumption are required to close by midnight each evening. Liquor sales must end at 11:00 p.m.
After midnight each night, establishments with tavern or incidental liquor licenses are permitted to continue delivery and curbside pickup of
food only
. All entrances to the establishment must close by 12:00 a.m., however, as customers are not permitted to be in the establishment after midnight.
Restaurants that do not have a liquor license are not subject to the midnight closure order.
The IRA has compiled the
various operational guidelines
that Chicago restaurants and bars must be aware of as they reopen, including: occupancy limits, sidewalk café and expanded outdoor dining FAQs, federal paid sick leave requirements, cocktails to go regulations, 11:00 p.m. ending time for alcohol sales notice, and more.
Noncompliant businesses will be issued $10,000 fines and/or immediate closure orders from BACP and the Chicago Police Department. Please take action to strictly follow all public health guidelines and occupancy requirements at your establishments.
What Restaurants and Bars Need to Know
- Restaurants are permitted to resume indoor dining at 25% occupancy per room - or 50 people per room (whichever is fewer) - at the beginning of Phase IV
- BACP has provided the following clarifications and guidance related to occupancy:
- In order to determine 25% occupancy:
- Use occupancy placard and divide by 4
- OR, calculate square footage of indoor space and then divide by 60
- Restaurants should use total square footage to determine 25% occupancy, not just dining room space
- Business owners may determine how a "room" is defined. The city's intention is that all rooms are fully separate
- Staff should not be included in the 50 per room or capacity calculations
- Tables and seats in a room where 50% or more of a wall can be removed via the opening of windows, doors, or panels do not count toward indoor occupancy, provided that dining tables are within 8-ft from such outdoor openings
- If your establishment sells liquor, all liquor sales must stop at 11:00 p.m.
- If your establishment sells liquor, all on-premise food sales must stop at 12:00 a.m., and your business must close to the public. However, delivery and curbside pickup of food only may continue, as long as customers are not allowed inside the establishment.
- No front loading drink sales prior to 11:00 p.m. will be allowed. Customers must finish their last drink and leave.
- Reservations systems are encouraged, or take guests' phone numbers and call them when their table is ready
- No dancing is permitted
- No lines outside of establishments
- If people are congregating outside of establishments, it is the business owner's responsibility to have staff outside politely ask people move along
- Call 311 if crowds refuse to dissipate
- Cocktails to go need to be in tamper-proof sealed containers - not ready for consumption on the sidewalk or street
Click here
to review the guidelines for restaurants and bars.
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State of Illinois Phase IV - Toolkit Available
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All four regions of the state have transitioned into Phase IV of the Restore Illinois framework for reopening.
Click here
to read the Phase IV Guidelines for indoor and outdoor dining at restaurants and bars.
The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity has provided the following clarification related to restaurant and bar standing areas:
- Standing area capacity of restaurants or bars may operate at maximum of 25% of standing area capacity. If the standing area does not have a designated capacity limit, establishments may allow up to 15 people per 1,000 square feet
A state of Illinois Phase IV reopening toolkit for restaurants and bars is also available
here
.
Restaurants and bars located in the city of Chicago must follow the city's
Phase IV - Gradually Reopen guidelines
for restaurants and bars. Restaurants and bars should refer to local authorities and health departments for additional guidelines during Phase IV.
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Illinois Department of Employer Security Issues Callback Strategy
This week, the
Illinois Department of Employment Security
(IDES) released a
statement
declaring that effective July 9, 2020, the Department will implement “callback only model” as a temporary solution to effectively honor the order in which callers attempt to reach the call center for unemployment insurance assistance. This new model will be in effect for the following call centers: Claimant Services Center (800.244.5631), IllinoisJobLink.com (877.342.7533), Benefit Payment Control (800.814.0513) and Employer Hotline (800.247.4984).
Rather than wait on hold or call multiple times, individuals seeking assistance will receive a call when they are next in line without losing their place.
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Let Us Know - How Often Would You Like to Receive This Update?
Since the start of the COVID-19 crisis, the IRA has been producing this daily email update to provide Illinois restaurant operators and vendors with the latest news, alerts, and regulations that impact your business.
We’re constantly evaluating the work we do for Illinois' restaurant and hospitality industry, and we’d like to hear from you about this update.
If you have not already taken this poll, please tell us how often you would like to receive this email update.
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How often would you like to receive this email update?
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Post the Illinois Restaurant Promise in English and Spanish at Your Business
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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.
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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 3:55 p.m. on Friday, July 10.
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