On October 20th, Governor Pritzker announced increased restrictions for Region 8 (including all of DuPage County) that begin on Friday, October 23rd. These Resurgent Mitigation Measures are expected to last a minimum of two-weeks. The measures include but are not limited to the closure of all indoor dining operations for bars & restaurants and operational time restrictions of 6:00 a.m.-11:00p.m. for outdoor dining, carry-out, delivery, and curbside services. New restrictions were also placed on private meetings and events, lowering participation to the lesser of 25 guests or 25% overall room capacity. A list detailing required Resurgence Mitigations was adopted on July 15th as part of the Restore Illinois Plan.
The City of Elmhurst has worked closely with our business community throughout the pandemic and will continue to do so through this new mitigation period. In response to the increased restrictions placed on restaurants and bars, Mayor Morley will issue an Executive Order that will suspend the collection of Elmhurst liquor license fee payments and business registration fees including food handler permit renewal fees and amusement device renewal fees for all existing restaurants and bars until such time as they may be reviewed by the City Council.
Morley states, “The City Council previously issued a two-month credit to liquor license holders in classifications most directly impacted from shutdowns earlier this year and put new policies in place to allow for expanded outdoor dining on public and private property. I will be asking the City Council to once again examine any and all opportunities to assist our local businesses; in particular our bars and restaurants who are disproportionately affected by these latest restrictions.”
Morley further stated, “Between increased restrictions and the changing of the seasons, our bars and restaurants are in an extremely vulnerable position right now. I urge the people of Elmhurst to join with me in showing a concerted effort of support in the coming weeks to all local businesses, including our food and beverage businesses.”
Outdoor dining operations allow for the continued use of tents as long as two full sides are open to circulate air. The City is awaiting clarification from the State as to the partial use of indoor dining when windows/ceilings can be opened for fresh air as was allowed previously in Phase 3. Staff, which has been working with individual businesses to extend late fall/winter dining plans beyond November 9th, will continue to pursue actions that benefit the business community at large. Businesses looking for more information on extending outdoor dining should contact Business Development Coordinator, Erin Jason erin.jason@elmhurst.org
All local businesses are further encouraged to apply for the State of Illinois Business Interruption Grant (BIG Grant). This State economic relief program is in its second round of allocations for approximately $636 million dollars.
The City of Elmhurst is closely monitoring this situation and will be posting frequent updates on Elmhurst.org.
“We urge the Elmhurst Community to take proper safety measures in order to slow the spread of the virus. The vibrancy of our community depends on all of us working together. Please make a plan to stay safe and support local.” states Mayor Morley.
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