Update: Shortly after Hydrate's announcement, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker ordered all restaurants and bars across the state to close at the end of the business day on Monday. The closures will last from March 16 - March 30.Mark Liberson's LHK Management has responded to the City of Chicago's new precautionary measures and guidelines for bars and restaurants following an increase in coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in Illinois.
Chicago officials announced Sunday they will begin enforcing new restrictions for any establishment that sells liquor to have less than half of their regular maximum capacity.
Additionally, any establishments that sell liquor will have a maximum capacity of 100 people.
"This morning we held a conference call with our management team from each location, including the leadership of Hydrate,
Elixir Lakeview,
Replay Lakeview, Replay Halsted,
Elixir Andersonville and
Replay Andersonville," explained Liberson. "We discussed the situation and our concerns. The notice that I issued reflects the desires of each team and what we feel is appropriate at this point in face of this growing crisis and lack of effective national leadership on the issue."
According to Liberson's notice, Hydrate, 3458 N. Halsted, will remain closed through Wednesday. This includes the cancelation of the monthly House Collective party slated for Sunday night.
Elixir, 3452 N. Halsted, and Elixir Andersonville, 1509 W. Balmoral, will remain closed through Wednesday.
Replay Lakeview, 3439 N. Halsted, is limiting capacity Sunday to 50% and maintaining heightened sanitation and hand-washing procedures. The bar will then close at 7 p.m. and remain closed through Wednesday.
Replay Andersonville, 5358 N. Clark, will reduce occupancy by 50% to accommodate effective social distancing and reduce hours of operation to close at 8 p.m. The Andersonville location will be providing Grub Hub and Uber Eats delivery services.
"Our goal is to maintain a healthy and safe workspace for our employees and our guests," said Liberson. "In this time of uncertainty, we ask that everyone remain calm but be prudent."
Separately, management for
Sidetrack, 3349 N. Halsted, said they would be adhering to the new capacity regulations effective immediately. Sidetrack currently remains open for business.
Roscoe's Tavern, 3356 N. Halsted, plans to limit capacity to 100 people on Sunday and will then access options moving forward.
Owner Michelle Fire
announced on Saturday that
Big Chicks, 5024 N. Sheridan, and Tweet, 5020 N. Sheridan, will close for two weeks starting at close of business Monday.
Related: LA Pride postponed, Chicago's pride events still a go - for nowImportant Notice: Amid concerns over coronavirus, many are trying to decide whether or not to go out. If you decide to go out, practice social distancing, wash your hands with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds and avoid touching your face. Most importantly, stay home when you are sick.
More information is available online from the Chicago Department of Health. For events listed on GoPride.com, please check with the event organizers to see if the event is still scheduled or canceled.