How Elmhurst Handles Restaurant Violations

ELMHURST, IL — Throughout the pandemic, the Elmhurst Police Department has sought compliance from businesses in relation to the governor's orders, the city's spokeswoman said Monday.

"This has continued to remain in effect as Region 8 entered into new resurgence mitigation restrictions," spokeswoman Kassondra Schref said in an email to Elmhurst Patch. "Though the Elmhurst Police do not have the authority to issue citations for these types of violations, our officers continue to educate and seek compliance."

Elmhurst Patch asked the city about the situation after Western Springs' village president announced last week her town had received reports of restaurants offering indoor dining. She said the village would notify health authorities of "flagrant" violations.

In Elmhurst, the city continues to work with the state to receive clarifications on mitigation measures in response to the coronavirus, Schref said.

"We also continue to educate the public and business owners on the risks, restrictions and preventative safety measures to prevent the spread of the virus," Schref said.

After the governor issued his latest order banning indoor dining, Primos Locos, a Mexican restaurant in downtown Elmhurst, announced on Facebook it would continue offering such service in defiance. The Facebook post has since been taken down; the restaurant is closed Mondays and couldn't be reached for comment.

In the first weeks of the pandemic, Elmhurst police said they twice found a local fitness center open in violation of the governor's shutdown order. It also dealt with issues at a small grocery store and a restaurant.

Earlier this month, Elmhurst Mayor Steve Morley issued a public letter to the governor saying the shutdown of indoor dining "fatal" for restaurants.

At a Western Springs meeting last week, Village President Alice Gallagher said the village would help its restaurants as much it can with outdoor dining. But she said the village was concerned with potential violators of the governor's order.

"The village is looking into these violations, and we will report flagrant disregard of the enhanced mitigation rules to the Cook County and Illinois departments of public health," Gallagher said.

La Grange and Darien leaders also answered how they would handle restaurants that are violating the governor's order.