CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Chicago’s liquor control commissioner has sent out certified letters to liquor license holders, reminding them about the rules, including crowd size and mask-wearing, ahead of the St. Patrick's Day holiday.
Although parades and the river dyeing was cancelled last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, crowds still gathered at bars across the city. Now, Liquor Control Commissioner Shannon Trotter is leaving nothing to chance even though both parades have been canceled again.
In her letter, she reminds liquor license holders of their responsibility to enforce the indoor capacity limit of 50 percent or 50 people per room or floor, whichever is less. Additionally, tables must be spaced 6 feet apart, with no more than six people at each table. Masks must be worn, except while “actively eating or drinking" and patrons must remain seated while eating and drinking.
The letter also states that dancing or other congregating is not allowed. The use of a reservation system is strongly encouraged to avoid lines or congregation of people outside.
"If you do have a line outside, your staff is responsible for ensuring that individuals in the line are maintaining proper social distancing and wearing a mask," the letter states.
Trotter said it is “imperative” that all establishments licensed to sell liquor provide “sufficient and knowledgeable staff and security” to ensure compliance with the city’s regulations.
Business licenses could be at risk and fines could be issues for violations.
Downtown Alderman Brian Hopkins said last week large gatherings indoors and unmasked are a recipe to spread covid.
"Indoors and large gatherings, unmasked and drinking beer, it is a recipe to spread COVID," he said.
The city is looking to prevent a repeat of last St. Patrick’s Day, when bars were packed.
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