Chicago cuts off liquor sales after 9 p.m.

Chicago will impose a daily 9 p.m. curfew on liquor sales starting Thursday in an effort to stop people from congregating at businesses that sell alcohol in an effort to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Mayor Lori Lightfoot made the announcement during a news conference on Wednesday.

"We are not messing around with this," Lightfoot said. "We are putting this curfew in place because too many individuals and businesses have been violating the stay-at-home order."

The curfew will remain in effect through the remainder of the statewide stay-at-home order, which lasts through April 30.

Stores that continue selling liquor during the temporary curfew could face fines of up to $500, arrest and possibly the revocation of their liquor license.

Lightfoot also announced two bars were cited for serving customers on premises, defying the state-mandated closure of all bars and dine-in restaurants. 

Related: Chicago LGBTQ COVID-19 Resources