Naperville clears way for outdoor dining

The city of Naperville has loosened outdoor dining regulations to allow extended hours, set a process for use of city sidewalks for dining areas and allow the city to close certain public parking spaces to use them for seating areas.

The move came in executive order issued Thursday by Mayor Steve Chirico.

"We are hoping this order provides some flexibility for establishments wanting to take advantage of the options available to them in this next phase of reopening our economy," Chirico said in a news release.

City code now allows outdoor seating without a permit. The city also published detailed guidelines for restaurants and bars that want to expand or temporarily add outdoor seating areas. Guidelines are available at www.naperville.il.us/outdoorseating.

Diners are asked to stay home when they are sick, practice social distancing, wear a face covering when not eating or drinking and wash or sanitize their hands regularly.

For more outdoor dining, takeout and delivery options in Naperville, visit dinenaperville.com.