SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19
Updated Chicago Fall and Winter Outdoor Dining Guidance

The city of Chicago's Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection has issued regulatory guidance for outdoor dining and drinking in the upcoming fall and winter months.

All outdoor spaces must have a Sidewalk Café Permit, Outdoor Patio License or an Expanded Outdoor Dining Permit.

Restaurant and bar operators should note the following guidelines:

  • Temporary structures that fit multiple parties must have at least 50% of the sides open to be considered outdoors
  • Enclosed structures, such as plastic domes, may be used for individual parties and must have adequate ventilation to allow for air circulation
  • All temporary outdoor structures covering more than 400 square feet must obtain a Department of Buildings (DOB)-issued permit
  • For more information, see DOB’s Guidance on Tents for Dining.
  • Temporary structures must be weighted, anchored or secured to the ground, but cannot be anchored with any method that requires screwing, cutting or drilling into the public way (i.e. on streets or sidewalks)
  • Electrically powered heating devices are permitted in open or enclosed areas
  • Natural gas heaters or any device fueled by propane are only permitted in open, uncovered areas

Click here to review the full guidance.
Reminder - Finish the Chicago Operator Survey
If you have not already done so, please take a few minutes today to complete our survey for Chicago restaurant and bar operators. If you have more than one establishment, we ask that you complete the survey for each business separately.

Your insights will help guide the IRA's advocacy efforts to provide regulatory relief and overall support for Chicago's hospitality industry.

Click here to take our survey for Chicago operators.
Please visit our website for the latest COVID-19 updates, in addition to the above resources and information for your business. Updated as of 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 19.