City Orders Bars, Restaurants To Stop Booze Service At Midnight

CHICAGO — Bars and restaurants that serve beer and booze will be required to close at midnight, a measure aimed to slow to spread of coronavirus, city officials said.

The news came after the city received 1,112 complaints, conducted 483 investigations, issued 81 warnings, issued 17 citations and immediately shut down one business for violating public health restrictions since June 3, according to the city business affairs and consumer protection department.

Bars, restaurants and breweries were already required to stop serving booze to-go at 9 p.m. and on-site at 11 p.m. Restaurants without liquor license aren't required to close at midnight.

"While the vast majority of establishments are following regulations and taking important preventative steps, this directive will minimize the spread of COVID-19 by preventing late-night congregating that could occur after the cutoff of alcohol sales," officials said in a statement.

City inspectors, withe help from police, fire and the buildings department, have teamed up to enforce liquor curfews along with the new midnight closure order for liquor establishments. Penalties for violating reopening guidelines include up to $10,000 fines and immediate closures in "egregioius cases."