Lightfoot increases bar and restaurant capacity to 50 percent, speeding regulations tighten

Now that Chicago’s test positivity rate has dropped to 2.9 percent, moving into the “lower risk” category, Mayor Lightfoot announced today that bars and restaurants are now permitted to operate at a 50 percent capacity as well as remain open until 1 a.m. 

Additionally, liquor stores can now sell alcohol until 11 p.m. as opposed to 9 p.m., the former cut-off time. Health and fitness clubs can also hold 20-person classes, formerly at a 10-person maximum capacity. 

In a press release statement, Lightfoot said she is “thrilled” by the “incredible progress” that Chicago has made in reaching the 50-percent capacity benchmark, but advised guests and bar and restaurant owners to “double-down on what works,” saying, “We must remain diligent as we continue to move forward cautiously and responsibly.” 

Emergency room visits are in decline, and ICU bed occupancy has all decreased to 42 occupants per day, while 283 positive cases are currently diagnosed each day. 

Speed limit fines now in effect for drivers going as little as 6-9 miles over speed limit

While the city loosens up restaurant and bar regulations, road regulations tighten, as drivers caught driving as little as 6-9 miles over the speed limit will be fined. 

The decision was implemented after statistics provided by the Chicago Department of Transportation recorded that traffic fatalities were up 35 percent through the end of November 2020, with 120 fatalities, while 89 fatalities were reported during the same time period in 2019. 

According to the city’s finance department, drivers caught going 6 to 9 mph over the speed limit by one of the 100-plus speed cameras around the city can expect to receive a $35 ticket in the mail.