Indoor Dining Capacity At Chicago Restaurants Increasing To 40%

Starting October 1st, Chicago’s indoor dining capacity is increasing from 25% to 40%. This change was announced during a Monday press briefing held by Mayor Lori Lightfoot. A maximum of 50 people will be allowed per room, six people per table, and diners are still required to wear their masks unless they are eating or drinking.

Another big change is that after being forced to roll back to Phase 3 in July, bars are now allowed to be open for indoor service. But they must make sure that ordering food is possible, either by doing things like partnering with a restaurant or allowing delivery from third-party services. However, bars are only allowed at 25% capacity, and customers must remain seated and rely on servers for their booze - no going up to the bar to get drinks.

One other change that applies to both bars and restaurants: they need to get a phone number or email before seating customers for contact tracing.