[via Chicago Sun-Times]
After saying he’s optimistic about the way the state is trending, Pritzker’s office announced bars and restaurants will be allowed to reopen with limited outdoor seating and smaller capacities when his extended stay-at-home order expires at the end of the month.
“We are by no means out of the woods, but directionally, things are getting better,” Pritzker said. “And because of these advances, we are able to make some modifications to allow more activity during Phase 3 of our reopening plan.”
ServSafe, the nation’s leader in food safety training, has released ServSafe Reopening Guidance: COVID-19 Precautions, the third video to help restaurant and foodservice employees learn best practices to employ during the Coronavirus outbreak. The course provides best practices for employees of a restaurant preparing to reopen a dining room following a state shutdown. The video is free of charge and available in English and Spanish.
Join the Illinois Restaurant Association (IRA), American Business Immigration Coalition (ABIC), Self Help Federal Credit Union, National Partnership for New Americans (NPNA) and The Resurrection Project Thursday, May 21 at 12:00 p.m. (Central) for a webinar to review the SBA’s PPP loan forgiveness application process.
Governor Pritzker’s administration filed emergency rules creating a Class A misdemeanor for businesses that are operating in violation of the Governor’s Executive Order. A Class A misdemeanor in Illinois can include a maximum punishment of 364 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,500.
This rule was promulgated by the Illinois Department of Public Health, and will be officially published by the Secretary of State’s Office this week.
The Joint Committee on Administrative Rules is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, May 20, and could consider the rule. It would require 8 of the 12 members of JCAR to vote “no” in order to block the rule from taking effect.
The House passed a Phase 4 response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The measure was approved by a vote of 208-199. Fourteen Democrats crossed party lines to vote against it and one Republican voted in favor.
Titled the HEROES Act, Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions Act, it includes provisions that are very important to the restaurant industry and provisions that will be more challenging for restaurants (extension of enhanced unemployment, extension of emergency paid-sick leave/FMLA).
Click here to read a breakdown of the HEROES Act and the implications for restaurants.
The Small Business Administration (SBA), in consultation with the Department of the Treasury, released the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan Forgiveness Application along with comprehensive application instructions.
The form and instructions inform borrowers how to apply for forgiveness of their PPP loans, consistent with the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). Additionally, the SBA will soon issue regulations and guidance to further assist borrowers as they complete their applications as well as provide lenders with guidance on their responsibilities.
The Illinois Liquor Control Commission has issued updated guidance in the form of a FAQ document. The ILCC addresses questions such as alcohol deliveries, occupying outdoor space at bars/restaurants, alcohol sales and much more.
Today, Governor J.B. Pritzker released Restore Illinois, a five-phase, data-driven plan designed to reopen the state’s economy utilizing science and public health data. The plan’s framework focuses on business, education and recreational activities.
Under this plan, restaurants and bars will not be able to open until Phase 4, June 26 at the earliest. Phase 4 will allow for gatherings up to 50 people and will apply to bars and restaurants. With proper guidance from the Illinois Department of Health, restaurants will be able to reopen dining rooms and bars can serve customers. However, lifting the gaming suspension will be determined by the Illinois Gaming Board. While we don’t yet have guidance on a reopening plan from the IGB, we will keep you informed as more information develops.
This morning, the Illinois Liquor Control Commission (ILCC) authorized the return of wine and spirits sold and delivered by a distributor to a retailer based on ten conditions.
The Illinois Gaming Board has released a statement regarding the suspension of video gaming operations. See message below.
To prevent the further spread of the unprecedented COVID-19 virus and protect public health and safety, the Illinois Gaming Board has extended the suspension of all Illinois video gaming operations at all licensed establishments of any kind and all casino gambling operations until further notice. The health and safety of patrons, gaming industry employees, Gaming Board staff, and all others in Illinois is the Gaming Board’s top priority at this time. The Gaming Board is monitoring developments regarding COVID-19 and will continue to make decisions based on science, public health guidance, and applicable law and rules. The Gaming Board will also continue to update licensees and other stakeholders as new information becomes available.