Local bars and restaurants are scrambling to draw up plans after Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced he was ordering a statewide closure.
Pritzker said all bars and restaurants will close at end of business Monday until March 30 in an effort to contain the coronavirus.
Restaurants will be able to continue serving people via drive-thrus or curbside pickup.
“This is another hard step to take. I know how difficult this will be on small businesses around the state. But we must do everything we can to safeguard the health of the citizens of Illinois, and that requires this urgent action,” said Pritzker. “The time for persuasion and public appeals is over — the time for action is here. This is not a joke. No one is immune to this, and you have an obligation to act in the best interests of all the people of this state.”
Many bars in downtown Peoria still plan to open 8 a.m. Monday in an early St. Patrick's Day celebration. Kelleher's, Ulrich's Rebellion Room, and other bars said they'll stay open until midnight.
Maquet's Rail House in Pekin said the city will block off parking spots on Court Street to allow curbside pickup. This will allow the restaurant to stay open. The Fieldhouse in Peoria's Campustown and Goodfield's Busy Corner will adjust similarly.
Other eateries, like Donnelly's Irish Pub, will still offer carryout.
Restaurants with walk-up windows will also remain open. The Twistee Treat in East Peoria said they'll continue to take orders at the window throughout the duration.
Send other updates on restaurant plans during the closure period here.
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