ILBA Members:
2020’s COVID19 has created a terrible hardship to the Illinois Licensed Beverage Association (ILBA) members and our industry. The various virus numbers continue to climb in Illinois and across the USA. Some states have revoked liquor licenses while other states have completely halted all sales of on-premise adult beverages. In Illinois, we have experienced everything from the current complete closing of bars (without food) in Chicago, to limited hours of operation and occupancy in the downstate Metro East area. There have been attempts to challenge the authority of lawmaker’s stranglehold on pandemic policy but repeatedly the courts have ruled in favor of the policymaker. For example, this week a Federal Judge in New Orleans ruled that Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards had the power to close bars and prevent the spread of COVID19, rejecting a challenge by bar owners.
The Illinois Licensed Beverage Association has advocated for keeping your business open. The ILBA continually advocates:
- Keeping restrictions on licensees minimal
- Assuring that bars are treated the same as restaurants.
- Supporting Industry Education & Training
- Advocating safe operating procedures
- Providing a Voice to the Governor and his Staff
- Working with Legislators to provide business relief packages.
We continually stress to policymakers our desire to move forward with increased business opportunities rather than backward with stricter mitigation steps. Please encourage your staff and patrons to follow all the health and safety protocols, specifically the wearing of a protective mask.
The challenge of increased COVID19 cases continue to grow yet the ILBA will continue to fight for your rights as an industry and as individual owners.
Sincerely,
Daniel D. Clausner
Executive Director
Illinois Licensed Beverage Association
1127 S. 2nd St.
Springfield, IL 62704
217-523-3232