Hemp Beverages Excluded from Proposed Ban, Free Sanitation Manager & Food Handler Certification Classes, & More

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2025

Hemp Beverages Excluded from Proposed Chicago Ban

Yesterday, Chicago City Council opted to delay a vote on a proposed ordinance that would ban hemp-derived products. There is a possibility that this ordinance is passed by the end of the year.

Under the new proposed ordinance, hemp beverages would be exempted from the ban, meaning that restaurants and bars would still be able to sell these products. However, these beverages would be subject to an age restriction of 21 and older.

Click here to learn more about updates to the proposed ordinance banning hemp-derived products other than beverages.

Duration Shortened for Work Permits Held by Asylum Seekers

Last week, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced that immigrants in the U.S. seeking asylum status will need to renew their work permits every 18 months rather than five years.

The work permits, known as Employment Authorization Documents, will be tightened for several categories of immigrants:

Aliens admitted as refugees
Aliens granted asylum
Aliens granted withholding of deportation or removal
Aliens with pending applications for asylum or withholding of removal
Aliens with pending applications for adjustment of status under INA 245
Aliens with pending applications for suspension of deportation, cancellation of removal, or relief under the Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American Relief Act.

This change affects those with applications for employment authorization that are pending or filed on or after December 5, 2025, and based on any of the above categories.

Click here for more information about changes to work permits for asylum seekers.

FREE Foodservice Sanitation Manager & Food Handler Classes

The IRA is partnering with the Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association on a grant to provide free workforce development training for the restaurant and hospitality industry.

All IRA Foodservice Sanitation Manager Certification classes are provided free of charge and include the cost of tuition, the ServSafe textbook, and the Chicago certificate fee.

The IRA is also offering free Food Handler classes. The free classes are in-person, and attendees must present a valid photo ID and successfully complete the training to receive the certification.

Click here to register for FREE ServSafe Foodservice Sanitation Manager and Food Handler classes.

Chicago Businesses Deserve the Additional Revenue Stream from Video Gaming!

Now is the time to contact your Alderperson and share your support for the City of Chicago to opt in on Video Gaming.

Prepare for legalized video gaming in Chicago with the IRA’s preferred operator: J&J Gaming. J&J is the leading partner and resource for video gaming in Chicago and is prepared to support your business to new levels of success when gaming is permitted.

A ‘YES’ Vote on Video Gaming could mean up to $146,000 in NEW annual revenue for your business*

Video Gaming Terminals are already transforming small businesses across Cook County – don’t allow the City of Chicago to miss out.

To learn more, contact J&J Gaming today at 855-785-5036 or visit our website at: https://www.jjgaming.com/chicago-vgt/

*Based on the location average for establishments of municipalities in Cook County from October 2024 to September 2025.

Join us at the 2026 Public Affairs Conference! Connect with restaurant industry leaders from across the country to advocate on key issues and make your voice heard. The conference will take place at the JW Marriott in Washington, DC, from March 10-12, 2026.

Click here to register for the conference. Book now to receive the members-only early-bird price of $250.

Click here to book your hotel room.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Ali DeGuide.

Understanding Illinois Secure Choice: What Employers Need to Know

Join the Illinois Restaurant Association, the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office, and the Cook County Small Business Source for an informative session that breaks down how the Illinois Secure Choice retirement savings program works, what the state law requires, and what employers need to do to stay compliant. You’ll leave with a clear understanding of your responsibilities and practical steps to support your employees’ financial futures.

Date: Tuesday, December 16

Time: 10:00am

Click here to register for the Illinois Secure Choice business advising session.

FINAL COUNTDOWN for the National Restaurant Association Show

The countdown is ON, and every day that passes is money out of your pocket. Time to grab Early Bird pricing at just $99 before it vanishes into thin air.

The Early Bird Deadline That Changes Everything

December 31st isn't just another date on the calendar. It's the final bell for your $50 savings. After that? You're looking at $149, and there's no going back.

What You're Missing While You Wait:

A Taste of the States Pavilion

Premium snacks and local proteins from America's best food innovators

The Beverage Room Pavilion

Latest drink trends that elevate your entire menu and boost revenue

Global Food Expo Pavilion

World-class ingredients to satisfy adventurous Millennial and Gen Z diners

Organic & Natural Pavilion

Clean-label solutions that taste good AND boost your bottom line

TECH Pavilion

AI and automation that'll make your operations legendary

December 31st = game over for $99* pricing. Don't be the operator who pays $149 in January while everyone else locked in their price weeks ago.

Click here to register for the National Restaurant Association Show.

*Want the full Show experience? Choose the Expo + Education upgrade for an additional $250 for access to 30 operator-led sessions, exclusive networking opportunities and on-demand session recordings. Click here for further details.

Please note: Expo badge pricing is based on your attendee category. The price shown in this email is for operator attendees only.

Navy Pier's Winter WonderFest

Relive cherished memories and make magical new ones at Chicago’s favorite holiday experience: Navy Pier's Winter WonderFest. From thrilling attractions like the Cliffhanger and Zero Gravity to family favorites like the kiddie train, bumper cars, and ice skating, there’s something for everyone! Every ticket includes a ride on the iconic Centennial Wheel, where you can soar to heights of nearly 200 feet and take in dazzling views of the Pier’s holiday lights.

Dates: December 5, 2025, to January 4, 2026

Location: Festival Hall at Navy Pier

Click here to buy tickets to Navy Pier's Winter WonderFest.

Amex Launches Small Business Grant Program

To help small businesses grow, innovate, and support their local communities, American Express is teaming up with Main Street America this Small Business Saturday® to launch the Amex Shop Small Grants Program. The Program will provide an initial $5 million to fund 250 grants of $20,000 each to eligible small business owners across the U.S.

Applications are open until Friday, January 16, 2026, at 11:59 CT.

Click here to learn more about the Amex Shop Small Grants program.

IRA New Member Spotlight

The IRA would like to thank all existing members and welcome the following new member: Carroll & Justine, LLC, dba Maxwells Trading.

Thank you as well to Thomas Raines of Thomas R. Raines Attorney at Law, LLC, for referring our new IRA member!

For more information about the benefits of becoming an IRA member, contact Lisa Gilbert.

THANK YOU TO OUR CORPORATE SPONSORS