West Loop Community Organization issued the following announcement on April 9.
Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot, the Chicago Police Department (CPD) and the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) announced a temporary Public Health Order prohibiting all liquor sales citywide after 9 p.m. each evening as part of the latest measure to prevent the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Chicago’s communities. To further ensure all businesses and residents are properly complying with Governor Pritzker’s Stay at Home Order, the new measure, effective Thursday, April 9, will help prevent congregate activity that has been observed across the city near stores that sell alcohol, particularly during evening hours.
This measure builds on ongoing enforcement measures by CPD and BACP to ensure businesses are compliant with the latest public health measures to keep residents safe. Recent enforcement measures have led to 21 citations issued for up to $120,000 in fines for eight businesses violating the statewide mandate.
Since the Stay at Home order went into effect, CPD has given 2,033 dispersal orders in response to large gatherings of residents and has issued 11 citations for up to $5,500 in fines to individuals not adhering to dispersal orders and violating the Stay at Home Order. This new Public Health Order will give CPD and BACP enforcement authority to further curb non-compliance, with potential penalties for liquor sales after 9 p.m. including $500 fine, arrest and revocation of liquor and other licenses. Earlier this week, CPD joined liquor stores on the West Side that agreed voluntarily to close early to encourage people to stay home.
Original source can be found here.
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