Customers now can enjoy socially distanced meals at restaurants throughout McHenry, following a mayoral executive order to provide outdoor seating and expand liquor licenses.
McHenry Mayor Wayne Jett took to Facebook Thursday to announce the changes, which were decided about two months into Gov. JB Pritzker’s restrictions on bar and restaurant operations amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
“You will start noticing several public tables and barriers being placed in our downtown parking spaces in all 3 downtown districts [Friday] morning,” Jett posted Thursday on his personal Facebook page. “These barricaded off areas will provide additional outdoor space while also expanding liquor licenses to assist bars and restaurants.”
Jett, who could not be reached for comment Friday, wrote that he hopes the adjustments will help local restaurants with takeout and curbside pickup traffic.
The mayor went on to say that residents should see a Nixle alert and Facebook post explaining his executive order and detailing the rules for activity in those public spaces.
“We will continue to do everything in our power to help all of our businesses in the community while meeting the guidelines given by the Governor,” Jett Wrote.
A full list of McHenry restaurant hours and services is available online at cityofmchenry.org.
Bars and restaurants throughout the state have been closed for dine-in service since March 16. According to Pritzker’s Restore Illinois plan, bars and restaurants can open their doors again in phase four of the governor’s five-phase plan.
Illinois was in phase two of plan as of Friday afternoon.
