The city of Chicago is very well loved for its vibrant bar and restaurant scene, and no one knows this more than the people who work in it. Over the course of the last year we have been collectively mourning many beloved establishments, our extremely socially fulfilled lives, and our careers, along with the many tragedies Covid has brought. The vast majority of us would love nothing more than to return to being able to happily serve and connect with our guests. 

That being said, it is not currently safe to open indoor dining. The CDC, as well as numerous studies in South Korea and China have proven that indoor virus transmission can happen extremely quickly inside of restaurants, the only recreational activity that requires one to not wear a mask. In addition to the maskless element of dining, people chatting lively with their friends simultaneously puts restaurant staff in a very vulnerable position. Especially as alcohol is involved, it is not realistic to expect servers and bartenders to police the social distancing and mask wearing of people who are already taking risks. In fact, it is an extremely inappropriate expectation for people who are not paid minimum wage without the contribution of diners to enforce restrictions upon those same diners. It is not a power dynamic that can function, and will lead to more dangerous situations. 

As of now, restaurant staff are slated to be vaccinated in group 1-c, tentatively scheduled to begin March 29th. That leaves months before we will be protected, and we ask that the city re-prioritize this if we are essential enough for indoor dining to be a necessity. We deserve some protections. Yes business are suffering, but lives are not a comparable loss.