La Grange Cops Respond To Business Violators Of Order: Official

LA GRANGE, IL — La Grange police have responded to complaints that local businesses are violating the governor's order on the pandemic, an official says.

At this week's Village Board meeting, Village President Mark Kuchler said the police have taken reports of such violations. He did not give details, but Patch has filed a public records request for the reports.

Kuchler said the Cook County Public Health Department is also responding. As of Thursday, no La Grange restaurants or bars are on the department's list of violators, though restaurants in neighboring towns are.

"I know that this is an incredibly difficult year for everybody," Kuchler said. "I understand the concerns, worries and frustrations felt by our businesses, especially our restaurants. However, it remains critical to the health and welfare of our community that we continue to earnestly follow all public health guidelines."

He encouraged residents to support local restaurants and retailers through options such as curbside service and delivery.

Unlike earlier in the pandemic, the federal government is no longer providing loans to businesses such as restaurants to help them pay their employees.

Recent spot checks by Patch found four restaurants in Elmhurst and two in Hinsdale violating the governor's ban on indoor dining.

No consensus exists in support of Gov. J.B. Pritzker's order. Instead, it is the subject of an impassioned debate.

Many argue the governor lacks the power to shut down restaurants and bars. In any case, they say, such establishments are not where the problems are. If the past is an indication, some will call shame on Patch for even writing a story about the debate.

Others say the order is an unfortunate but necessary step to control the spread of the coronavirus.