ILBA INFORMATIONAL UPDATE MAY 20, 2020
COVID19 DISRUPTION – TUESDAY MAY 20, 2020
GOVERNOR PRITZKER ANNOUNCES OUTDOOR SERVICE OPTION IN PHASE 3 OF RESTORE ILLINOIS: (possibly May 29, 2020)
Bars and restaurants can open for outdoor seating with local municipal approval. Governor Pritzker quoted “The experts have indicated that we can build on to our plan to bring back more activities faster, as long as Illinoisans continue to do as we have been doing adhering to precautions and safety measures to keep each other safe.
Today I’m announcing an additional option for bars and restaurants interested in resuming operations earlier. Opening for outdoor seating when phase three begins, likely for everyone just nine days from now. With the right restrictions, tables, six feet apart, and away from the sidewalks, masks, and distancing measures for staff, and other precautions. The experts believe that these services can open at a risk comparable to other outdoor activities, and give our hospitality industry, a much-needed boost, as they work to keep their businesses on their feet during this terrible crisis.
Given what is known about how this virus spreads in closed spaces, our public health experts made the decision early on that bars and restaurants should not open their regular indoor food service, and that’s still the case, until we reach phase four.”
PREPARATORY NOTE:
Explore and possibly reserve the use of tents, tables, and chairs for outdoor service.
GOVERNOR PRITZKER’S ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH (IDPH) REPEALS THE EMERGENCY RULE THAT MADE BUSINESSES DEFYING REOPENING ORDER A MISDEMEANOR:
Today Governor J.B. Pritzker withdrew his controversial rule that established a Class A misdemeanor for violating and defying the Executive Order business closure. The Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR) did not vote on the issue because IDPH repealed the rule before the issue was called. The Illinois General Assembly will consider drafting tools to enforce the “stay at home” order with a softer touch than jail time and revoking licenses.
COCKTAILS TO-GO TO BE CONSIDERED IN THE ILLINOIS GENERAL ASSEMBLY:
Legislation to permit Illinois’ on-premise licensees to sell prepared cocktails to-go will be introduced in the General Assembly this week.
SPORTS BETTING LOTTERY IMPROVEMENT REQUEST:
The ILBA is a member of a coalition that suggests that the General Assembly fixes the non-viable Lottery Sports Betting Program by including our locations in this activity. We are asking the members of the General Assembly to consider permitting Sports Betting in our brick and mortar locations.
Daniel D. Clausner
Executive Director
Illinois Licensed Beverage Association