JUNE 4, 2020
Looking for Reopening Supplies and Services? Visit Our Online Guide
The IRA has launched a  premier  resource base  of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) and reopening services for restaurants, including: hand sanitizer, face coverings, gloves, cleaning and sanitizing supplies, plexiglass, menus, floor markers, signs, and more.

Click here  to let us know if you would like to join the IRA’s reopening resource page and offer PPE materials and equipment to restaurants and bars throughout Illinois. Companies must be current IRA Associate members in order to be featured.
IRA Working to Suspend Restaurant Tax, Side walk Café   F ees in Chicago

IRA President & CEO Sam Toia spoke with Chicago Sun-Times about our efforts to suspend the city's 0.50% restaurant tax and sidewalk c afé f ees. Click here to read more from Chicago Sun-Times.

The Association continues to advocate for all forms of regulatory and financial relief for restaurants and bars at the local, state, and federal levels.
Congress Passes PPP Fix Bill, President Will Sign Soon

Last night, Congress passed the  Paycheck Protection Flexibility Act , legislation that will extend PPP deadlines and relax restrictions on how loans are used. The president is expected to sign the bill very soon.

The legislation includes the following changes to the PPP program:

  • Loans that can be used for a 24-week covered period (instead of 8 weeks)
  • Eligibility for loan forgiveness – if at least 60% of the loan is used on payroll (instead of 75%.)
  • Loan forgiveness will still be possible if full-time employees (FTEs) won’t return to work
  • Five year loan-repayment terms for future PPP loans
  • Payroll tax deferment restored
  
The IRA and National Restaurant Association were among the first  to call for fixes to PPP  to preserve our imperiled industry. With your help and the strength of our collective voices, Congress has finally acted. The Senate just passed the  Paycheck Protection Flexibility Act , legislation that would extend deadlines and relax restrictions on how loans are used. The president is expected to sign the bill very soon.
  
The PPP has been fixed for many, but our industry faces ongoing challenges and must stay engaged in Washington. We have advanced a  number of initiatives , and we will seek your input on how policymakers can provide continued relief to restaurants in these uncertain times. 
Updated Reopening Guidelines from National Restaurant Association and ServSafe
The ServSafe and National Restaurant Association teams have developed updated reopening guidance to assist and guide the work of state restaurant associations and state governments with their opening plans.

Click here  to review the updated guidance and best practices. These guidelines should be referenced as a compliment to state of Illinois and local authorities' reopening guidance.
Are You Reopening? Tell Us About Your Plans

The Illinois Restaurant Association is currently surveying restaurants around the state to determine the status of reopening outdoor dining during Phase III of Restore Illinois.

Please take two minutes to complete our survey to share your current plans and any challenges you are facing.

Click here  to complete the survey.

Click here  to review the state of Illinois Phase III outd oor dining guidance. Operators must also look to their local municipalities and health departments for further guidance. The city of Chicago's outdoor dining reopening guidance can be found  here .
City of Chicago Outdoor Dining, 9:00 p.m. Curfew Still in Effect, Expanded Outdoor Dining Permit Applications Available

As of Wednesday, June 3, outdoor dining at restaurants is permitted to begin in the city of Chicago.

Two health orders have been issued by the city of Chicago. The first order implements the city's reopening plan; the second order extends the hours that restaurants may sell liquor until 11:00 p.m.  Please note that both orders are still subject to the ongoing curfew, meaning that non-essential businesses and restaurants may not stay open past 9:00 p.m. until the curfew is lifted.

Restaurants and coffee shops are permitted to open for outdoor dining only with specific safety guidelines. Click here  to review the FAQ on outdoor dining and sidewalk cafes. Click here  to download the full Phase III outdoor dining guidelines for restaurants.

Earlier this week, the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events released a new  Expanded Outdoor Dining  permit application created specifically for temporary Phase 3 (Cautiously Reopen) outdoor dining.  Click here   to learn more.  Click here  to review the FAQ on the Expanded Outdoor Dining permit.

Read more about reopening restaurants in Chicago:

Watch on Demand - Webinar on Safety Considerations for Scaling UP Restaurant Operations
Thank you to everyone who attended and all our panelists on this morning's webinar "Scaling UP Restaurant Operations: Safety Considerations".

Click here to watch the webinar recording. Click here to download the slide presentation.
Please  visit our website  for the latest COVID-19 updates, in addition to the above resources and information for your business. Updated as of 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 4.