The Illinois Restaurant Association (IRA) on May 7 called on Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker and the Illinois General Assembly to modify the Governor’s five-phase Restore Illinois plan to allow restaurants and bars to resume their dine in service in a limited capacity during Phase 3.
Under the existing Restore Illinois plan announced on May 5, restaurants and bars across the state will not be allowed to resume dine-in operations until June 26, at the very earliest.
According to IRA President and CEO Sam Toia, this approach underestimates the restaurant industry’s ability to reopen and operate safely with enhanced public health measures in place.
Public health and safety have always been and continue to be the top priorities for every owner, operator, and employee in the restaurant industry. Illinois’ restaurants are fully capable and ready to resume dine in service with limited occupancy, six feet between tables, personal protection equipment (PPE) for employees, and many other preventative measures.
The IRA is eager to work with the state on developing these pragmatic regulations that give restaurants the opportunity to resume their dine-in operations in a timely manner.