On March 16, Illinois Governor Pritzker issued an Executive Order closing Illinois bars and restaurants:

“Beginning March 16, 2020 at 9:00 p.m. through March 30, 2020, all businesses in the State of Illinois that offer food or beverages for on-premises consumption—including restaurants, bars, grocery stores, and food halls—must suspend service for and may not permit on-premises consumption. Such businesses are permitted and encouraged to serve food and beverages so that they may be consumed off-premises, as currently permitted by law, through means such as in-house delivery, third-party delivery, drive-through, and curbside pick-up. In addition, customers may enter the premises to purchase food or beverages for carry-out. However, establishments offering food or beverages for carry-out, including food trucks, must ensure that they have an environment where patrons maintain adequate social distancing. Businesses located in airports, hospitals, and dining halls in colleges and universities are exempt from the requirements of this Executive Order. Hotel restaurants may continue to provide room service and carry-out. Catering services may continue.”

Read the full Executive Order here.

Taft’s employment, real estate and bankruptcy teams stand ready to help with issues related to layoffs, the pending paid sick leave legislation, missed rent payments, liquor regulations, etc. Further, we remain in close contact with state and local municipalities and will continue to pursue possibilities for economic and regulatory relief.

Legal issues resulting from the shutdown are quickly evolving as a closure of this magnitude is unprecedented. These are trying times and our teams are committed to maintaining the level of service you expect and the responsiveness you need. Please do not hesitate to reach out to a member of our team with any questions or issues related to the restaurant shutdown or COVID-19.