WESTERN SPRINGS – After restrictions were lifted for Phase 3 of the Restore Illinois plan to allow for outdoor dining, State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) encouraged residents to support their local business owners.

“The small businesses that make our community unique are hurting, especially those in the food service and hospitality industries,” Glowiak Hilton said. “We can all do a small part by visiting these local restaurants as they reopen for outdoor seating.”

Since the first executive order issued on March 21, restaurants and bars had been forced to stop dine-in service to slow the spread of COVID-19. Earlier this month, the governor announced that outdoor dining would now be permitted for regions that enter Phase 3 of the Restore Illinois plan. All four regions are expected to enter Phase 3 this Friday, May 29.

“The only reason restaurants are allowed to reopen is because we are following guidelines from public health experts,” Glowiak Hilton said. “Please be considerate and remember to wear your masks and keep six feet apart while waiting to reserve a table.”