(WBBM NEWSRADIO) – The Chicago City Council is expected to vote Wednesday on revisions to the outdoor dining program that helped keep restaurants afloat during the pandemic.
The council’s Licensing Committee unanimously on Tuesday recommended that the city make permanent and even expand the program, which Illinois Restaurant Association President Sam Toia says has helped restaurants grow and generate more tax revenue.
Ald. Brendan Reilly (42nd) says the council would have done this sooner, but the Lightfoot Administration wanted the licenses to be easily renewed. He said aldermen wanted a say in the matter because neighborhoods can change.
Chicago Transportation Commissioner Gia Biagi said permit renewals will undergo annual evaluations, with input from various departments and elected leaders.
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