No Late Permit Fees For Will County Food Establishments

WILL COUNTY, IL — The COVID-19 pandemic has caused difficulties for food establishment owners and operators. A revision to the Will County Health Department's Food Ordinance, designed to offer assistance, has been passed by both the Will County Board of Health and Will County Board.

WCHD Environmental Health Director Tom Casey said that while food operators must still pay their permit fee in order to be in operation, anyone who failed to pay the fee that was due by Dec. 31, will not be charged a late fee.

"Anyone not paying their regular fee will be considered 'operating without a valid food permit' and will need to cease operations until it is paid in full," Casey said. "Only food operators operating without a permit after March 1 will be assessed the late fee."

He added that the postponement of the late fees will also apply to mobile food operators who operate throughout the year.

"The state-implemented COVID-19 restrictions are seriously impacting restaurant owners," said Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant. "Some have already been forced to close their doors. We hope delaying some of these late fees will help these owners continue to operate their businesses and regain their livelihoods."

For questions about Will County Food Establishment Permits, call (815) 727-8490.