Downtown Patios, Rooftops Could Stay Open Longer

A pilot program could allow dozens of downtown area businesses to keep their outdoor patios and rooftop gardens open until midnight

If a new pilot program is approved, outdoor patios and rooftop gardens could stay open longer in Chicago.

The City Council's License Committee approved pushing back the mandatory closing time from 11 p.m. to midnight during the week for the 70 outdoor patios and rooftop gardens in the downtown area, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.

42nd Ward Alderman Brendan Reilly told the Sun-Times the later closing time will help Chicago compete with other major destinations.

The Illinois Restaurant Association, Illinois Hotel Lodging Association as well as other similar organizations suggested the change.

If the City Council approves the pilot program, it will last until Dec. 1.

 

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