The Peoria City/County Health Department is warning restaurants against flouting the governor's executive order prohibiting indoor dining as the state gradually reopens.The current phase of the order only allows outdoor dining, take-out, delivery, drive-thru, and curbside pickup. But several businesses have begun offering indoor dining. Jubilee Cafe in Kickapoo, Pizza Ranch in Peoria, and Cheese Nuts Brickoven Pizzeria in Junction City are among the businesses again offering indoor seating options. Pizza Ranch claims it has retained an attorney and is within its legal rights to reopen for indoor dining. The health department claims "99.8%" of local food establishments are compliant. Peoria City/County Health Department Administrator Monica Hendrickson says non-compliant establishments face fines, penalities, or revocation of their food safety licenses. Peoria Mayor Jim Ardis said the non-compliant businesses could also lose state licenses. So far, the health department says it hasn't yet doled out any penalties. At least one area business has retained attorney Thomas DeVore, who represented Republican Rep. Darren Bailey in his lawsuit to overturn the governor's stay-at-home order. Phase 4 of the governor's reopening plan could begin as early as June 26. We’re living in unprecedented times when information changes by the minute. WCBU will continue to be here for you, keeping you up-to-date with the live, local and trusted news you need. Help ensure WCBU can continue with its in-depth and comprehensive COVID-19 coverage as the situation evolves by making a contribution.
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