Joliet Dine-In Restaurants May Reopen Under New City Plan

JOLIET, IL — Several of Joliet's popular sit-down restaurants could reopen for dine-in guests under a plan presented Friday by Mayor Bob O'Dekirk.

Joliet's mayor made the announcement at Friday morning's weekly news conference to discuss the city's response to the new coronavirus crisis and how it has impacted the community.

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O'Dekirk said he hoped Gov. J.B. Pritzker would support Joliet's proposal. Ideally, the city aims to have the new outdoor dining provision ready for the weekend of May 22.

"I do not want to be in an adversarial position with our governor," O'Dekirk said. The 10-page document "has been submitted to the governor, and we're hoping to get approval from the governor."

Joliet Corporation Counsel Marty Shanahan highlighted the city's plan to reopen sit-down dining.

Joliet restaurants with existing outdoor areas, and restaurants that want to temporarily expand to outdoor dining by using parking spaces, would be allowed to reopen and serve dine-in guests under the following provisions:

• The outdoor dining will be in conjunction with food service. Alcohol can only be sold with a meal.
• Tables shall be spaced to allow a minimum 6-foot separation. Public seating and eating areas shall be reduced or reconfigured to allow for a minimum separation of 6 feet.
• The outdoor dining area shall be closed no later than 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and no later than 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
• The outdoor dining area shall not disturb the quiet enjoyment of nearby properties.
• Outdoor dining areas may use awnings or other top coverings that meet minimum city guidelines.
• Live entertainment and electronically amplified music shall not be permitted.
• Bar areas are prohibited.
• Except for restroom visits and takeout orders, indoor premises will remain closed to the public.
• Masks will be required by dine-in guests to enter the restaurant's premises for bathroom visits and takeout orders.
• All customer-facing employees shall wear masks.
• No groups of more than 10 people, including children, will be allowed. People in the same party seated at the same table would not have to be 6 feet apart.
• Restaurants may use up to 25 percent of their parking lot for outdoor dining expansion.

O'Dekirk told Patch on Friday he is optimistic that Pritzker will give his stamp of approval to Joliet's proposal.

The new guidelines would apply to existing restaurants, brewpubs, craft beer distilleries, breweries, bars, pubs and wineries that already have a full kitchen to support "a safe, clean environment for workers and customers."

Joliet's plan takes into account proper social distancing guidelines as well as the wearing of face masks, O'Dekirk said.

Related:

Illinois Coronavirus Update May 15: 3,928 Deaths

Joliet Diocese Plan To Reopen Churches Revealed

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