City Council Approves Latest Measures to Support Businesses Impacted by COVID-19

June 17, 2020 Dear Chicagoan, Today, the Chicago City Council approved two measures to eliminate regulatory burdens, reduce fees and continue supporting businesses that have been impacted by COVID-19: Sidewalk Café Reforms The legislation that passed today will institute temporary reforms to the sidewalk café permit to reduce costs, expand the opportunity for revenue and expedite the process to obtain a permit:

1. 75 percent permit fee reduction

2. Ability to extend sidewalk cafes in front of a neighboring property

3. Expedited permit issuance process

Click here for more information about the new reforms. As a reminder, sidewalk cafes can be used by brick-and-mortar retail food establishments to extend onto the sidewalk directly in front of or adjacent to the establishment. Click here for more information on the sidewalk café permit and to apply. Cocktails To-Go Establishments with a Tavern or Consumption on Premises-Incidental Activity license can now sell pre-mixed cocktails to-go via carryout or delivery. Click here to read the full requirements. As a reminder, the sale of alcohol to-go via delivery or carryout should end at 9:00 pm each evening. The sale of alcohol for on-site consumption should end at 11:00 pm.

Reopening Updates Starting today, bars, breweries and other establishments that sell alcohol without a retail food license can reopen for outdoor service. Please read the industry guidelines for more information. Be advised that all establishments operating outside must have the proper licenses or permits to do so. Please read the Outdoor Dining and Drinking FAQ for more information. To support bars and restaurants as they reopen, BACP will be holding a webinar at 10:00 am on Thursday, June 18, titled “Operating Outdoors: Options for Restaurants and Bars during Phase Three”. Please visit chicago.gov/businessworkshops to register and learn more. As part of the reopening guidelines, if an establishment becomes aware of 2 or more cases possibly associated with an establishment over a 14 day period, employers are required to report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) using this online reporting form. For additional information, please read the CDPH Guidance on what to do when a confirmed COVID-19 case has occurred in your facility. As always, please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions! Sincerely, Rosa Escareno, BACP Commissioner

City of Chicago Business Affairs and Consumer Protection 121 N. LaSalle St., Room 805 Chicago, IL 60602  312-74-GOBIZ www.chicago.gov/bacp