Some Chicago Bars Can Open Wednesday, Lakefront Will Open Next Monday

The popular, 18-mile trail will be open for cyclists and runners, but beaches will remained closed.

Chicago Lakefront Runners
Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced the Lakefront Trail will reopen for running and cycling next Monday. Manuel Martinez/WBEZ
Chicago Lakefront Runners
Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced the Lakefront Trail will reopen for running and cycling next Monday. Manuel Martinez/WBEZ

Some Chicago Bars Can Open Wednesday, Lakefront Will Open Next Monday

The popular, 18-mile trail will be open for cyclists and runners, but beaches will remained closed.

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The Chicago Lakefront Trail will begin opening next Monday, June 22.

Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced the city will begin loosening restrictions on the popular waterfront trail after months of being closed to stem the spread of the coronavirus.

Under the new guidelines, the 18-mile trail will reopen to walkers, runners and cyclists, but the parks and beaches will remain closed. The Lakefront Trail will operate under limited hours, from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The mayor’s office said, “Chicagoans must abide by a ‘keep it moving’ strategy, where only walking, running, biking, and rollerblading will be allowed.” Lightfoot has said she doesn’t want to see packed beaches and parks crowded with sunbathers like in other cities.

The mayor also announced breweries and bars without kitchens can start serving patrons outside beginning this Wednesday, June 17.

Under the eased restrictions, bars, breweries and lounges will be allowed to serve alcohol outside. These establishments will have to follow the same hours as restaurants, meaning no service after 11 p.m. Delivery and carryout alcohol sales will still be allowed until 9 p.m.

The city is encouraging bars to partner with restaurants or food trucks to provide some kind of food options.

Under the new guidelines, bars may reopen outdoor areas, including “outdoor patios, rooftops, rooms with retractable roofs and indoor spaces where 50% or more of a wall can be removed via the opening of windows, doors, or panels provided that dining tables are within eight feet from such openings.”

Claudia Morell covers city politics for WBEZ. Follow at @claudiamorell