*Many businesses are making last-minute arrangements to provide outdoor seating for Mahomet residents. While the Mahomet Daily hoped to have that list completed today, we will wait until next week when we have a clearer picture of long-term plans.
For restaurant owners and local leaders, alike, the last nine days have been a rush.
Establishments that were once filled with crowds gathering for a meal have been empty since March 16. Now, as Illinois moves into Phase 3 of the Restore Illinois plan, restaurant owners are looking to balance their curbside or carryout options with opportunities to provide an outdoor dining experience.
The Village of Mahomet, led by a “Reopen Mahomet Restaurants Task Force”, began meeting late last week to discuss options to help the dine-in establishments.
The final document, including temporary guidelines for outdoor dining, was released Thursday evening.
Prior to March 2020, less than a handful of Mahomet restaurants provided outdoor seating options.
In an effort to assist those businesses faced with purchasing amenities to either implement new outdoor seating accommodations or expand existing facilities, the Village of Mahomet is offering a one-time grant up to $1,000 for individual businesses.
The applicant must own or operate a commercial restaurant establishment located within the corporate limits of the Village of Mahomet and provide outdoor seating to its customers in order for patrons to eat on site at the establishment following the explicit guidelines outlined by the State and the Village.
Plans and purchases for outdoor seating must be pre-approved by the task force.
In order to make the outdoor seating possible, the Village will waive fees for Outdoor Café and Outdoor Café Liquor License for fiscal year ending April 30th, 2021, but licenses and extended liability insurance are required.
The Village requires that businesses follow the Illinois Department of Public Health Phase 3 guidelines, which include 6-feet between tables and a minimum of 4-feet for pedestrian movement.
Establishments will be required to close by 10 p.m. each evening.
In order to provide additional outdoor dining space, the Village has established three “Picnic Parks” on Village property at Russel Park, located at 413 E. Main St., and the Village green space which is adjacent to Village Hall.
Parks must be used for consumption of carry-out from Mahomet food and beverage establishments, but local businesses are not allowed to use Picnic Parks for direct table service.
The Village will provide picnic tables spaced 6-feet apart. Tables are not to be moved, and alcohol cannot be consumed on-site.
