Expanded Outdoor Dining Through 2022, Reduced Sidewalk Cafe Permit Fee Ordinance Introduced

Earlier this week, Mayor Lightfoot, BACP Acting Commissioner Kenneth Meyer, CDOT Commissioner Gia Biagi, and DCASE Acting Commissioner Erin Harkey introduced an ordinance to extend the city's Expanded Outdoor Dining Program through 2022. The ordinance introduced today would also continue a 75% reduction in fees for sidewalk cafe permit applications.

The Expanded Outdoor Dining Permit allows establishments with valid Retail Food Establishment, Tavern or Consumption on Premises-Incidental Activity liquor licenses to temporarily expand operations into the public way or other private property (i.e., parking lots and open space). The permit is good for up to 180 days, as long as the restaurant follows all rules and guidelines. In 2021, 179 Expanded Outdoor Dining Permits were issued representing 303 establishments, with 100 of those operating on private property throughout the City.

The Lakeview Roscoe Village Chamber of Commerce has been advocating for an extension of the program and a continued reduction of fees for sidewalk cafes, which will help stimulate outdoor dining year-round. We commend the Mayor and Commissioners for taking further action to support Chicago's restaurant community.

Click here to read the full announcement.