Libertyville Will Not Enforce Governor's Order: Mayor

LIBERTYVILLE, IL — Libertyville mayor Terry Weppler says the village will not take any enforcement action against restaurants in town that decide to defy Gov. J.B Pritzker's order and stay open.

In a Facebook post Wednesday, he said he's concerned over the spread of COVID but does not believe indoor service at restaurants is to blame.

"I know that many people do not feel comfortable going into restaurants and doing indoor dining and I respect that position," he wrote. "However, I believe the restaurants are being made scapegoats on this issue do not want to stand by and see us lose our local businesses."

On Wednesday, Pritzker announced additional restrictions for Region 9, which includes Lake and McHenry counties, would take effect at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday due to the rise in COVID-19 cases.

Several restaurants throughout the Chicago area have hired attorneys to fight the order in an effort to stay open. Others have simply said they will not close.

Weppler said his decision to not enforce the governor's order came after he consulted with the Libertyville Board of Trustees and had a conference call with owners of all of the restaurants in town.

Meanwhile, he's encouraging residents to "adopt a restaurant" and order takeout at least one time per week to help keep local businesses up and running into the New Year.