 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
12-Jun-23 – The outdoor dining created in response to the pandemic is “here to stay,” according to Mayor Brandon Johnson. The Chicago City Council has approved an ordinance, introduced by Johnson, that allows restaurants and bars to offer outdoor dining, from May 1 through October 31, immediately in front or next to their establishments. Hundreds of restaurants in Chicago participated in the Expanded Outdoor Dining program that expired at the end of 2022. About 80 percent of people responding to a survey by 42nd Ward Alderman Brendan Reilly “strongly” supported closing Clark Street to traffic, between Grand Avenue and Kinzie Street, for outdoor dining through the summers. A new “Outdoor Dining Street Permit” will allow an establishment with a valid Retail Food Establishment, Tavern, or Consumption on Premises-Incidental Activity liquor license to expand their operations. Full street closures will be permitted for groups of three or more businesses. The long-term EOD program will be administered by the Chicago Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection and the Chicago Department of Transportation. |
