Restaurants and bars in Yorkville are allowed to open outdoor dining areas, converting parking lots and closed streets where necessary. | Pixabay
Restaurants and bars in Yorkville are allowed to open outdoor dining areas, converting parking lots and closed streets where necessary. | Pixabay
The community of Yorkville approved an ordinance last month that would give bars and restaurants permission to sell food and liquor at outdoor locations, including parking lots and closed-off streets.
The ordinance will allow this license until Dec. 31 for all restaurants and bars. Restrictions have been put in place for safety, and sites must be approved by the city before licenses are granted.
City Administrator Bart Olsen said a review of all bars and restaurants in Yorkville already have adequate space in their own property or adjoining property, except for a few businesses downtown, according to WSPY News.
Mayor John Purcell thanked staff for setting to work drafting guidelines immediately following the governor's announcement, WSPY reported.
Under Phase 3 of Gov. J.B. Pritzker's reopening plan, restaurants are required to limit the number of patrons in dining areas. It also allows restaurants to offer outdoor dining.
Several restaurants in Montgomery have expressed interest in transitioning to outdoor dining but others with drive-thru service might not participate. Approval would be required for the village to enact this ordinance. Some concerns have arisen about safety in parking lots.
Other communities have taken steps to create guidelines. Oswego's village president passed an order outlining guidelines. The city of Plano has also held discussions on the topic.
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