WEST LOOP — A West Loop bar and restaurant has been shut down by the city for violating coronavirus safety measures over the weekend, officials said.
The Wise Owl Drinkery and Cookhouse, 324 S. Racine Ave., was operating over capacity, not enforcing social distancing or mask-wearing and allowing customers to mingle out of their seats, city officials said.
The closure came as Business Affairs and Consumer Protections (BACP) are cracking down on businesses that are not following safety precautions to protect employees and customers as part of the city’s reopening strategy.
“While most businesses are taking the necessary precautions to keep their customers and employees safe, the city will continue to hold the bad actors accountable, and this weekend we issued an immediate closure order to one bar for egregiously and blatantly disregarding the reopening requirements,” said Isaac Reichman, a city spokesman.
“Irresponsible actions like this put our entire city at risk and will not be tolerated,” Reichman added.
Earlier this month, Mayor Lori Lightfoot vowed to shut down bars and restaurants that don’t follow measures put in place to slow the spread of coronavirus.
“If we see businesses that are flouting the rules … we’re not gonna hesitate to shut you down. And if you’re shut down, you’re not coming back anytime soon,” Lightfood said.
Businesses that violate face covering guidelines can receive citations of up to $10,000 each, Rosa Escareno, BACP commissioner, previously said. Those found to have an “egregious” disregard for health and safety guidelines will be shut down, she added.
“The time for awareness and education is over, and the time to be serious about keeping our city safe starts now,” Escareno said.
Throughout the weekend, BACP conducted 47 investigations, issued 12 total citations to six businesses for failing to follow the phase four guidelines, Reichman said in an email statement.
The department has received 1,276 reopening complaints since June 3. To date, they have conducted 557 investigations, cited 25 business, issued 85 warnings and ordered the immediate closure of two businesses, the city said.
Owners for the Wise Owl Drinkery and Cookhouse could not be immediately reached for comment.
Wise Owl Drinkery and Cookhouse opened May 2015, according to DNAinfo.
Subscribe to Block Club Chicago. Every dime we make funds reporting from Chicago’s neighborhoods.
Already subscribe? Click here to support Block Club with a tax-deductible donation.
"Shut" - Google News
July 13, 2020 at 06:31PM
https://ift.tt/38ZYFm4
West Loop Bar And Restaurant Shut Down By City For 'Blatantly Disregarding' Coronavirus Reopening Rules - Block Club Chicago
"Shut" - Google News
https://ift.tt/3d35Me0
https://ift.tt/2WkO13c
Bagikan Berita Ini
0 Response to "West Loop Bar And Restaurant Shut Down By City For 'Blatantly Disregarding' Coronavirus Reopening Rules - Block Club Chicago"
Post a Comment