Romeoville Chamber In Support Of Taking Back New Regulations

ROMEOVILLE, IL — The Romeoville Area Chamber of Commerce is in full support of all the objections against Gov. J.B. Pritzker's decision to suspend indoor dining at restaurants and bars across Will and Kankakee counties after coronavirus cases went up in the region.

Various business leaders in the area joined together to send a letter to the governor, asking him to lift the mandate that prevents restaurants and bars in the two counties from offering indoor dining. The letter was signed chamber of commerce presidents from Plainfield, Naperville, Lockport, Bolingbrook, Frankfort, Mokena and surrounding towns, but a signature from RACC was missing.

Olivia Hegber, interim president of the RACC, told Patch that this was because of the recent changes in administration, and not because of their lack of support for the cause.

"Our chamber is currently going through a transition in our administration and the letter was not received by RACC on time to be able to participate," she said. "The RACC agrees with everything stated in this letter and is in full support of local restaurants."

The governor's measure is aimed at reducing the rising number of coronavirus cases in the Will and Kankakee areas and will remain in place till the situation improves.

According to the letter, chamber members are concerned about the decision to implement what "we believe are unfair restrictions targeted at the restaurant and bar industry."

"We ask for immediate consideration to reverse your decision and allow these establishments to remain open for indoor seating at a capacity of the lesser of 25 individuals or 25 percent of capacity," the letter states. "Yes, they will adapt and do what is necessary to keep their doors open. Why though, does one industry need to bear the brunt of the responsibility to reduce positivity rates throughout the region. They have had to pivot and re-create once and are a determined group, but this decision is just going to pull more resources from them. It is our hope that they will all survive these latest restrictions, but nothing is guaranteed."

Restaurants owners are worried about their businesses not being to bear the brunt of these changes. To help them, the RACC has expanded its marketing efforts.

"We offer complimentary community outreach via email and through posting on the chamber’s Facebook page, complimentary posting on our website, complimentary ad space in our monthly newsletter, and an opportunity to nominate themselves as a Beaming Business of the Week, which is a new initiative set to start in September," Hegber said.

She said she sympathizes with all the local restaurants affected by this order.

"The restaurant industry is already one of the most heavily regulated industries and because of the regular standards set in place by health departments, restaurants are equipped to provide an incredibly safe dining experience for their guests," she said.