Gov. Pritzker announces restaurants can open outdoor dining beginning May 29

Posted on May 20, 2020
Gov. Pritzker made the announcement Wednesday afternoon. (Photo courtesy: WJBC/File)

By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – Two words: al fresco.

Gov. JB Pritzker Wednesday announced that he is adding outdoor dining to the list of changes during Phase Three of his Restore Illinois plan. That would begin May 29.

“Statistics show that 20-25 percent of restaurants will close their doors for good as a result of COVID-19,” said Sam Toia, president of the Illinois Restaurant Association. “I am pleased to say that Gov. Pritzker and his team are listening. The governor’s action to expand outdoor dining options will be a benefit to many at a time when every dollar counts.”

Also opening: all state parks. And golfers can have a foursome.

The announcement came at Wednesday’s coronavirus briefing, at which officials said Illinois is up to 100,418 cases and 4,525 deaths.

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected]. 

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