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to read the Phase IV Guidelines for indoor and outdoor dining at restaurants and bars. The earliest effective date of these regulations is Friday, June 26.
There is no set capacity cap for restaurants and bars based on percentage of occupancy or number of people during Phase IV. Seated area capacity of restaurants and bars should be determined by arranging seating to provide a minimum of six feet between tables or other designated patron service areas.
Indoor dining can reopen with groups of 10 or less, with tables spaced 6-feet apart in seated areas and with standing areas at no more than 25% of capacity. Capacity restrictions will be reassessed based on the latest science and public health metrics on an ongoing basis throughout Phase IV.
Additional guidelines to note:
- For booth seating, employers may use consecutive booths to serve patrons of unrelated parties only if employer installs an impermeable barrier with a height of 6-ft or greater from the floor between booths. Use of barriers should not impede entry/ exit or impose a fire risk. Use of plexiglass is a best practice.
- Buffets and self-service food stations (e.g. hot and cold bars, bulk items, baked goods) are permitted, and should adhere to minimum additional guidelines.
- Hotel meeting rooms and ballrooms, as well as other indoor and outdoor event venues (excluding arenas, stadiums, and other mass gathering venues) must adhere to the state's Meetings and Social Events Guidelines.
- Meetings and social events are limited to lesser of 50 guests with or 50% of overall room capacity.
“Today’s announcement confirms that the state of Illinois is ready to safely reopen,” said IRA President & CEO Sam Toia. “As one of the most highly regulated industries when it comes to health and sanitation standards, restaurants are ready and equipped to safely welcome guests back for dine-in service, and with the world-class hospitality diners have missed. These guidelines will also greatly help restaurants begin to recover from this catastrophic business period. We commend Governor Pritzker and his team on a well-informed approach that keeps public health the priority while acknowledging restaurants’ expertise and giving our industry hope for a rebound."
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.
