Dupage Policy Journal

Mayor Brandon Johnson replied to a tweet from the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) regarding the recently approved outdoor dining program. The mayor believes the new plan will benefit the hospitality and food industries of Chicago.

Exuding confidence and optimism, Johnson expressed his belief in the program's potential to bring significant benefits to the city's vibrant culinary scene.

"One of my first orders of City Council business was working with alders to pass this ordinance, which reimagines outdoor dining across the city and supports our hospitality and food industries by fostering the creation of inviting outdoor spaces," the mayor said in a July 11 Twitter post.

Johnson's tweet recognized an ordinance he sponsored that was passed by the Chicago City Council which brings back outdoor dining to the streets of Chicago. The ordinance allows restaurants and cafes to apply for sidewalk, curb lane or full street closure to accommodate outdoor dining. Approved sidewalk cafes can operate all year, while street and curb lane closures are only effective May 31- Oct. 31 each year to support outdoor dining during the summer and fall months.

A portion of Clark Street will be closed to vehicular traffic through Oct. 31 as more than a dozen restaurants expand their seating into the street, according to a tweet from CDOT.

Eligibility to apply for full street closure requires at least three establishments, with at least 50% of the establishments holding a valid retail food establishment license. Additionally, the establishments must comply with other safety and regulatory requirements set by the ordinance. All requests will be processed through the City of Chicago online permitting portal.

The outdoor dining enabled by the program is similar to ordinances put in place in 2020 as a response to COVID-19 lockdowns and restrictions on indoor dining. Full details of the program can be found on the City's website.

"Chicago’s Outdoor Dining Program reimagines outdoor dining spaces across the city,"  the website said. "The program supports Chicago’s hospitality and food industries by fostering the creation of inviting outdoor dining spaces. The program is administered by the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) and the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT)."