These Will County Restaurants Say They'll Defy Indoor Dining Ban

WILL COUNTY, IL — Additional mitigations, which includes the shutdown of indoor dining and bar service, will begin Friday in Will County. However, some local businesses have already said they will not be following the guidelines from Governor J.B. Pritzker.

Several businesses in New Lenox and Lockport have posted on their social media pages that they will remain open indoors for customers.

New Lenox Mayor Tim Baldermann said the village can't condone the restaurants staying open, but understands their predicament.

"If they stay open, I hope they follow every safety protocol possible. This is a very serious, highly contagious virus. As far as enforcement goes, it is a mandate not a law passed by the legislature. The governor would need to enforce it as we don't have the lawful authority to do so," he told Patch.

Gina's Teardrop Cafe, New Lenox

The restaurant on its Facebook that it has followed all guidelines to date regardless of the financial impact. However, the restaurant, which said it has over 30 employees, many who live in New Lenox, is now making the decision to remain open for indoor dining.

"This was not an easy decision to make, but one we are making out of survival and to help our staff pay their bills," the restaurant wrote on its Facebook.

The business said it will continue to follow CDC guidelines of wearing masks, social distancing and sanitation efforts.

"We truly love and support the New Lenox community, and hope you will be supportive of our decision."

JBD White Horse Inn, New Lenox

JBD White Horse Inn has also said it will remain open for indoor dining, outdoor dining and carry-out. The restaurant said closing its doors "is not an option."

"As we have been, we will continue to maintain a clean and safe environment for our staff and customers," the restaurant said on its Facebook.

Lockport Stagecoach, Lockport

The business, which also remained open during the first round of mitigations in September, has said it will again remain open for indoor dining. The restaurant said it has over 30 employees, most of whom live in Lockport, that depend on the restaurant.

"We want people to understand with the cold weather, that outdoor dining is not a viable option," the restaurant said.

"How can it possibly make sense that you drive less than 5 miles from Stagecoach to Lemont or Orland Park and indoor dining is allowed?" the restaurant questioned on its Facebook page.

In a news conference earlier this week, Gov. J.B. Pritzker said state police could cite restaurants that violate the order but would start by giving warnings and asking people to disperse, according to TV station WSIL.

He said the state could also take away business' liquor licenses, but he is reluctant to do so because of the long-term impact, according to the station.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, dining at bars and restaurants is closely linked to the spread of the virus in many communities. Adults who tested positive for the virus were approximately twice as likely to have reported dining at a restaurant than those with negative test results, according to a CDC study published in September. Experts now believe the coronavirus is airborne, and tiny droplets containing the virus can linger indoors for hours as aerosols, making indoor dining especially risky.