News on Guidelines March 8th
Hello Friends and Colleagues,
The BACP (Business Affairs and Consumer Protection) group at the Chicago Mayor’s office hosted a great webinar last week on navigating the new and current COVID-19 restrictions for events, restaurants and businesses.
Call with BACP
We had a call with the BACP at the Mayor’s office last week, and we have some answers to the questions that you all sent in, as well as clarification on a few other things. Sharing those notes with you below:
Some General Notes
-Events are currently at 50 guests maximum
-Guests cannot mingle at cocktail hour. They must be seated when eating or drinking. When up and about they need to have masks on
-Events should follow the indoor dining guidelines with social distancing, etc.
Questions and Answers
What is a venue has different floors or different rooms. Can we do more than 50 guests?
Yes, but the people in the 2 rooms cannot co-mingle or share any spaces. They have to be static to their room and cannot share any spaces or restrooms. For corporate events this works well as you can stagger start times and have a live feed to the second room. But hosts of the event should not be co-mingling. If they do need to enter the second room they should have their masks on and maintain social distance.
Do babies and 1 & 2 year-olds count at a person in the 50?
YES
When you say dance floors closed what about dancing by tables at weddings but just no dance floor?
Dance Floors should remain closed.
Guests could dance in their table area with face covering on and maintaining social distance but no dance floors can be open
Will the city be issuing a timeline for opening and increased capacity?
It is being worked on but they are not able to share yet. Also relies on State Mandates as well as the city needs to follow the State’s lead
Can we have 100 guests at a wedding or private event if we are outside or in a tent?
No, for event you can have no more than 50 guests.
For an event like a Farmer’s Market it would be allowed with required social distance at all times. But not a wedding or social event at this time.
Is the BACP currently doing inspections for violations?
Yes. And they have issued many warnings and fines. They will be working with their own inspectors and also with police help to be going to venues, private events, bars and restaurants to insure the guidelines are being followed!
Clubhouse
We are hosting a Clubhouse. Stay tuned on social media for details and let us know if you need an invite!
Current Guidelines Links
Please continue to stay educated on the current regulations to help educate your clients and your fellow wedding professionals.
Guidelines from the Governors office for State of Illinois
Thank you! Stay safe, stay well and please continue to follow the Illinois event guidelines and lead with compassion!
Ali Phillips, Michelle Durpetti and Collin Pierson
Email: info@ileventscoalition.com