Algonquin OKs Dining In Parking Lots

ALGONQUIN, IL — Restaurants in Algonquin are expected to start serving food and drinks outside starting this week and the village has been taking steps to support its businesses while also drumming up sales tax revenue. Last week, the village approved an ordinance that allows restaurants to use the right of way and parking lots to encourage social distancing when setting up tables outside.

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In addition, picnic tables have been placed on the village's sidewalks in the downtown for those carrying out from businesses to use and village officials are working with all businesses to find ways to "help in their recovery" as service on patios and parking lots will be allowed, village president John Schmitt told Patch in an e-mail response. The village, along with towns throughout Illinois, are on track to enter Gov. J.B. Pritzker's Phase 3 of reopening amid the coronavirus pandemic.

"Our local shops and our restaurants are the lifeblood of our village and need our support," Schmitt said. He also reminded residents to be cautious by wearing masks and keeping their distance from others when out and about.

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