On October 22, 2020  Mayor Lightfoot and the Public Health Commissioner announced the reinstatement of targeted business restrictions to combat the recent and alarming rise of COVID-19 cases. Effective tomorrow, Friday, October 23 at 6:00 a.m., the following regulations will come into effect:

  • All non-essential businesses must be closed to the public between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. This includes bars, restaurants, health and fitness centers, event venues, personal services, non-essential retail and most establishments that were deemed non-essential during the Stay at Home Order earlier this year. Essential businesses, such as grocery stores, pharmacies and hardware stores, are exempt. Additionally, restaurants may remain open for take-out or delivery of food.
  • Bars, taverns, breweries and other establishments that sell alcohol for on-site consumption without a Retail Food Establishment License must close for indoor service. Outdoor service may continue, including rooms with retractable roofs and tables that are within eight feet of walls that are at least 50% open.
  • All liquor sales for on-site and off-site consumption must cease at 9:00 p.m. This applies to all establishments that sell alcohol, including those with a Package Goods, Tavern or Consumption on Premises-Incidental Activity License. The delivery and pick-up of alcohol must cease at 9:00 p.m. as well.

For more information, please read the latest Health Order, which includes a comprehensive list of the businesses that are considered essential. Please note that transportation, including taxis and ride-hail services, are considered essential.

Please be aware that BACP will continue enforcing the new regulations listed above along with the existing regulations. As a reminder:

  • Indoor capacity at most businesses is limited to 40%, with a total of 50 patrons within a room or space at restaurants, event venues, performance venues and other establishments.
  • No more than six people per table at a bar, restaurant, performance venue or event venue.
  • Face coverings must be worn at all times by customers and employees, and can be removed by customers only in limited circumstances (i.e. when actively eating/drinking, during personal services that require their removal)
  • Class size at health and fitness centers and after-school programming limited to 15 people, while adhering to the 40% capacity limit.

The full guidelines can be found at chicago.gov/reopening.

Tag :