Restaurant workers urge gov to ease restrictions, offer more financial support
Francisco “Paco” Hernandez has made the 40-mile commute to wait tables at Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse downtown for nearly 25 years. But now, the father of four doesn’t know how he’ll explain to his children the impact of a second shutdown of restaurant and bar services.
“It breaks my heart thinking about my family andmy coworkers’ families. How are we supposed to put food on the table now?” Hernandez asked at a news conference Friday organized by the Illinois Restaurant Association.
Indoor service at Chicago bars and restaurants was suspended Friday by the state in an effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Outdoor service is allowed, but it must end at 11 p.m.
Similar restrictions will be in effect in 10 of the state’s 11 regions byMonday.
State health officials on Friday reported a record 6,943 new coronavirus cases.
Restaurant association representatives said they plan to meet next week with Gov. J.B. Pritzker. The association launched a petition drive asking the governor to lift the dining restrictions.
The group contends banning indoor service will result in a larger spread of the virus by driving people into “uncontrolled, unmonitored private gatherings.” They’re asking the state to reconsider the mitigations and to re-offer financial support packages and PPE to restaurants, a program that was vital for businesses during the initial spread last spring.
“We want to work with the state to offer a different path. One that addresses the surges we’re seeing while protecting the livelihood of industry workers and restaurant owners across Illinois,” said Sam Toia, president of the Illinois Restaurant Association.
Toia believes anywhere from one-in-five to half of all restaurants in Illinois will close in six months if the state fails to offer support.
The governor’s office did not respond to a request for comment.
Mayor Lori Lightfoot choked back tears as she talked about what happened Thursday night when she and her wife had dinner at one of her favorite neighborhood restaurants for “what will conceivably be our last indoor meal for some time.”
“As the meal was winding up, one of the workers — the woman who brought the water and the bread — asked to take a picture with me. Sorry Dr. Arwady, but I was so overcome with emotion, I gave her a hug,” the mayor said Friday, apologizing to Health Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady for failing to maintain social distance.
“I worry, not only about her. I worry about the other workers.”