Last weekend, social media was filled with photos of crowded indoor and outdoor areas at Chicago restaurants and bars, as businesses began welcoming more customers back thanks to the expanded capacity allowed in Phase 4 of the city's reopening plan. During a press conference ahead of the long Fourth of July weekend, Mayor Lori Lightfoot had an ultimatum for owners of bars and restaurants, stating "If we see business that are flouting the rules, that are putting your profit over the public health and safety of your workers, of members of the public, we're going to shut you down. And if you're shut down you're not coming back anytime soon."
Under current city guidelines, restaurants and bars are able to open outdoor spaces with 6 feet between groups of patrons and indoor spaces at 25 percent of capacity or 50 people (whichever is less). Guests must wear face masks whenever they are not seated at their tables and businesses must ensure that social distancing is being practiced if lines form in front of their buildings (the city recommends using a reservation system to prevent lines).
Business Affairs and Consumer Protection commissioner Rosa Escareno explained that the majority of businesses have complied with the city's Phase 4 guidelines, but those that have not followed the rules have been issued warnings. "The time for awareness and education is over, and the time to be serious about keeping our city safe starts now," Escareno said during today's press conference, explaining that bars and restaurants violating the guidelines will now be issued fines (up to $10,000) or be shut down entirely.
With record numbers of new cases being reported in the United States, Chicago leaders are insisting that following the guidelines they've established is the only way to reopen businesses and protect the public. "We are not going to suffer the fate that we've seen of other states and localities across the country that did not prudently recognize that reopening is not throwing open the barn door," Mayor Lightfoot said.
If you're heading out to drink or enjoy a meal while celebrating the holiday weekend, don't forget to bring a mask, keep your distance from others, tip generously and stay away from businesses that are jammed with people.
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