UPDATED 11 a.m. | Both the Town of Normal and City of Bloomington have reminded bars and restaurants they risk losing their liquor licenses if they don't enforce mask requirements and capacity limits.
Normal sent a letter to liquor licensees on Aug. 14, signed by Normal Mayor Chris Koos. Bloomington Mayor Tari Renner sent a nearly identitical warning letter on Thursday.
The letters tell business owners that customers must wear masks if they are not eating or drinking. It says an Illinois Department of Public Health emergency rule also prohibits gatherings of more than 50 people (or, if the building occupancy is less than 50 people, 50% of the occupancy).
"In addition to the penalties under the Public Health Department's emergency rule, a failure to abide by health regulations and other laws may result in the revocation or nonrenewal of your liquor license. The Town will respond appropriately to violations," Koos wrote. Renner's letter said the same.
Renner told liquor licensees that they have "the legal duty to follow the law."
"I understand that these have been trying times, and I recognize the struggle that our businesses have faced during this pandemic. And I appreciate your willingness to do your part to protect our community," the mayors told licensees.
COVID-19 cases are on the rise in McLean County and have more than doubled in less than a month, with college students returning to the community.
The county's testing positivity rate climbed to 3.6% as of Thursday—the highest level in months.
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