top of page

Updated Regulations for Businesses

Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot, the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) today announced the further easing of COVID-19 regulations for Chicago businesses. Due to sustained progress in all four reopening metrics, effective immediately, indoor capacity at bars, restaurants, and other businesses can increase to 50%. Additionally, bars and restaurants can now remain open until 1:00 a.m., alcohol sales from liquor stores and other establishments with a Package Goods license can now continue until 11:00 p.m. and indoor fitness class size can increase to 20 people. As part of the established roadmap for a cautious and careful reopening, other regulations will remain in place for the time being, including the capacity limit of no more than 50 people within any one space at bars, restaurants, events, and other venues.

Effective immediately are the industry-specific guidelines. You can read more here.


Bars and Restaurants

  • Can reopen indoors at lesser of 50% or 50 people per space.

  • Food must be available at all times in order to offer indoor service.

  • Bars, taverns, or breweries without a food license can reopen indoors as long as they partner with a food establishment (e.g., making menus available and allowing delivery, allowing patrons to order from third-party delivery services).

  • Table size limited to no more than six people per table indoors and outdoors.

  • Bar seating allowed with 6ft distance between parties. Indoor events allowed at 50% capacity with no more than 50 individuals, while following indoor dining guidelines.

  • Bars, restaurants, and other establishments with a Tavern or Consumption on Premises-Incidental Activity license must have all patrons off premises by 1:00 am.

Retail Stores, Grocery Stores, and Pharmacies

  • 50% capacity

  • Liquor stores, grocery stores, and other establishments with a Package Goods license must cease alcohol sales at 11:00 pm.

  • Maintaining social distancing protocol and customers are required to wear masks still in effect

Places of Worship

  • Limit each indoor space to 50 individuals, while practicing social distancing, or 50% capacity (whichever is fewer).

  • Special events such as weddings, potlucks, and other community events are limited to 50% capacity with no more than 50 guests indoors and outdoors.

Health and Fitness Centers

  • 50% capacity with no more than 50 people per space

  • Group classes allowed with no more than 20 individuals per group

  • Locker rooms and showers can remain open if strict and frequent cleaning measures are in place

  • Close ancillary accommodations, including saunas, hot tubs, and steam rooms, where social distancing is not possible.

Personal Services

  • Limit to 50 individuals or 50% capacity, whichever is fewer.

  • If a service requires the removal of face coverings (e.g., facials, beard trimmings) employee must wear both a mask and eye protection (e.g. face shield, protective glasses).

  • Physical, occupational, and massage therapy allowed.

Outdoor Activities

  • Outdoor museums, performance venues, and other outdoor activities can continue at 50% capacity with a maximum of 100 individuals.

  • Group sizes are limited to 50 people or less, with total capacity limited to 100 people, while social distancing.

  • Playgrounds, lakefront parking lots and roadways are reopened - masks must be worn by all people in Chicago parks and trails.

Out-of-School Programs

  • Indoor group exercise or fitness classes capped at 20 individuals (e.g., dance, yoga).

  • Programs in which participants are primarily seated/stationery may continue in cohorts of up to 20 people (e.g., painting, creative writing, homework help).

  • Day camps are still limited to 50% of facility capacity with no more than 15 participants per group.

Libraries

  • Considered an essential service as they support Chicagoans needing support with remote learning, job searching, temporary refuge for weather relief, securing needed benefits, and resources.

  • Libraries may remain open at 25% indoor capacity with protective measures in place to ensure the health and safety of the public and staff.

  • See chipublib.org for more details.

3 views

Comments


White32Waguespack_LOGO_noweb_2016.png

© 2025 by 32nd Ward Alderman Scott Waguespack.

2657 N. Clybourn, Chicago, IL 60614

Tel: 773-248-1330

Office Hours:
Monday - Friday
9 am until 6 pm

  • Twitter
bottom of page