The City of Chicago released an FAQ overview of the outdoor dining options for restaurants and coffee shops during Phase III of the Protecting Chicago Reopening Framework.
If you are applying for a new sidewalk cafe or need to renew your permit, please fill out your applications this weekend so that you can make arrangements to have them signed by your Alderman on Monday. This will help expedite the process.
To operate in the street or on other private property (i.e., parking lots), operators will need to obtain approval for Expanded Outdoor Dining. This is a new process created specifically for temporary phase three outdoor dining.
How do I obtain approval for Expanded Outdoor Dining?
Applications and more information will be available at www.chicago.gov beginning on June 1. Applications must be submitted by Chambers of Commerce, SSAs, Business Associations or by 3 or more establishments applying together. This will allow for existing, fully licensed Retail Food Establishments to temporarily use streets or private property for outdoor dining and drinking until 11:00 p.m. PEBA can submit your application. Please contact our Executive Director Amie Zander at amie@pebachamber.org ASAP if you think this temporary option can work for your restaurant.
If you would like to permanently offer outdoor seating you will need either an Outdoor Patio License or a Sidewalk Cafe Permit. To operate on the sidewalk directly adjacent or in close proximity to the licensed establishment, you will need to hold a Sidewalk Café Permit. This is an existing permit. Click here to see the process for applying for a Sidewalk Cafe Permit. If you are unsure of which you need, email Amie and she will help you. We will be working this weekend.
To operate a rooftop or outdoor patio on private property, operators will need to hold the corresponding Outdoor Patio License if they serve alcohol. This is an existing, permanent license type. Note: this license is not required if the operator does not serve alcohol.
What guidance must restaurants and coffees shops follow during Phase III?
In addition to opening only for eligible outdoor dining, all restaurants and coffee shops are expected to adhere to the following guidance:
- Tables must be spaced 6 feet apart
- Limit dining to no more than 6 people per table
- Limit gatherings to no more than 10 individuals
- Ensure protective gear is worn by employees and guests (face coverings can be removed while customers are seated and eating)
- Restaurants with outdoor dining and a valid liquor license can sell alcohol at their establishment for on-premise, outdoor consumption until 11:00 p.m. The City’s 9:00 p.m. liquor sales curfew remains in effect for to-go sales of alcohol at all retail establishments.
What type of outdoor dining is allowed?
During Phase III, restaurants and coffee shops can open for outdoor dining. This includes seating areas that are fully outdoors, in addition to:
- Rooftops
- Rooms with retractable roofs
- Indoor spaces where 50% or more of a wall can be removed via the opening of windows, doors, or panels, provided that dining tables are within 8 feet from such openings
What licenses and/or permits do I need to open for outdoor dining?
To open in Phase III for outdoor dining, an establishment must have a Retail Food Establishment license from the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP). Establishments are required to have a Tavern or Consumption on Premises-Incidental Activity license in order to serve alcohol.
To operate a room with a retractable roof, or an indoor space where 50% or more of a wall can be removed via the opening of windows, doors, or panels, operators will not need any additional permits or licenses if those spaces are currently licensed.
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Click here to read the FAQ.
Click here to read the full outdoor dining guidelines for the city of Chicago during Phase III. |
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