Indoor Dining, Drinking Set To Return In Chicago On June 26

CHICAGO — Sit-down dining (and drinking) at restaurants (and bars) is set for a Chicago comeback on June 26, city officials said.

Indoor eating and drinking establishments closed in March as part of a statewide stay-home order will be allowed to reopen with limited capacity and safety restrictions on the same day Illinois moves to "Phase 4" of its reopening plan.

“Our neighborhood restaurants, bars, and breweries all stand as among the most cherished parts of our communities and are integral to the fabric of our entire city,” Mayor Lori Lightfoot said in a statement. “Like all Chicagoans, I am personally excited to see them take these new, cautious steps towards safely reopening, and commend their collaboration throughout this unprecedented crisis. As we move ahead in the coming weeks and months, I look forward to strengthening our partnership as we continue our journey in rebuilding our city and becoming stronger and more equitable than we have ever been.”

The reopening plan allows restaurants and bars to open with 25-percent capacity and a maximum of 50 people per room. Tables will be limited to 10 or fewer people and spaced six-feet apart. Boozing at taverns that don't serve food comes with a two-hour time limit per party. Alcohol sales must end at 11 p.m for indoor drinking, and carryout sales shut down at 9 p.m. under the reopening rules announced Friday.

More details on indoor dining regulations are available here.