Pritzker Demands Stimulus Support For Bars, Restaurants

ILLINOIS — As Congress continues to discuss a possible second stimulus package, Gov. J.B. Pritzker has demanded support for restaurants and bars, which have been badly hit by the coronavirus pandemic.

"Millions of Americans have lost their jobs because certain businesses, through no fault of their own, had to shut down or severely downsize because this virus can spread more easily in those settings than in others," Pritzker said during Tuesday's new briefing.

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In Illinois, bar and restaurants closed for two months after the stay-at-home order in March. They were then allowed to reopen for outdoor dining in late spring, and indoor dining was then allowed in the summer before shutting down again.

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However, due to additional mitigations in the state currently, bars and restaurants are once again closed for indoor dining, and may only do outdoor dining, curbside pick-up or take-out.

"Restaurants and bars will have a tough time making it through this winter surge of the virus without federal support," Pritzker said.