McLean County Times

During the first week of December, bars and restaurants in Bloomington received five citations for being in violation of executive orders issued by Gov. J.B. Pritzker. 

The citations were issued because the establishments were allegedly violating COVID-19 restrictions that were put into place by executive orders, according to the City of Bloomington. The orders that were allegedly violated prohibited customers from being served food and drinks indoors. These restrictions were part of Illinois' Tier 3 mitigation efforts. 

The bars are restaurants allegedly violating the executive orders are Eastland Suites, 1801 Eastland Drive; Parkview Inn, 1003 S. Morris Ave.; Garden of Paradise, 1412 E. Empire St.; Western Avenue Tap, 1301 N. Western Ave.; and Cheeks Bar and Grill, 1206 Towanda Ave.

The establishments are scheduled for a hearing with the Bloomington Liquor Commission in which they will discuss the truth of the allegations. The establishments will be deemed innocent or guilty of violation at the hearing. 

"A Bloomington Liquor Commission hearing is set for 4 p.m. December 8 where establishments will be able to admit or deny allegations during a first appearance. Establishments found guilty of violating the Governor’s order could face punishments including but not limited to fines or possible liquor license suspension or revocation," the City of Bloomington wrote in a press release. 

After the news of the five establishments allegedly violating orders, Bloomington has been encouraging bars and restaurants to strictly follow the coronavirus restrictions put in place by Pritzker's executive orders. 

"The city is strongly encouraging local businesses to follow restrictions in an effort to protect the health and safety of residents during what has been a significant spike in the number of positive COVID-19 cases locally, statewide, and nationally," the city press release stated.