Limited Indoor Dining Resumes At Chicago Restaurants Saturday

CHICAGO — You can legally eat dinner indoors again in Chicago. On Saturday, the state lifted social distancing restrictions that have prevented restaurants from severing patrons indoors since October.

Now, restaurants can host 25 percent of their capacity up to 25 people with no more than four people at a table. Bars, taverns and breweries that don't have liquor licenses also are allowed to serve patrons indoors if the establishment allows food delivery.

"We have long pushed for the careful resumption of limited indoor dining, and I am thrilled that we have made enough progress in the fight against COVID-19 to reopen our businesses and bring workers back," Mayor Lori Lightfoot said.

"As we enter this next phase, I again call on all businesses and residents to make sure we continue moving forward by following the guidelines for safe indoor dining and committing to the safety precautions that helped us flatten the curve a second time."

State regulations require patrons to wear face coverings except when eating or drinking, and they must wear masks when interacting with servers.

The Chicago Restaurant Coalition claimed a "cautious victory" after lobbying for the return of indoor dining, and urged restaurants to "never let their guard down" and strictly follow coronavirus safety protocols.

"Employees should have clear procedures to stay safe and know whether or not to come to work if they have symptoms. Older employees should be helped to get a vaccine. Managers should have procedures for customer contact-tracing, such as taking the name and number of at least 1 diner," coalition spokesman Roger Romanelli said in a statement.

"Since the pandemic began, most restaurants have taken great efforts to keep everyone safe, and their superior efforts are honored."