Alderman's Chicago restaurant faces dining violation fines

CHICAGO (AP) - The city of Chicago has cited a restaurant owed by an alderman for allowing customers to dine inside in violation of rules designed to slow the spread of COVID-19, city officials said Tuesday.

Ann Sather, a restaurant owned by Alderman Tom Tunney, faces two citations, which carry maximum fines of more than $10,000 combined, according to Chicago's Business Affairs and Consumer Protection Department.

Indoor dining has been shut down in the city since late October. And Tunney has previously acknowledged that allowing diners inside his restaurant in the Wrigleyville neighborhood was an 'œerror in judgment.'ť

'œWe've been sporadically letting some people in, regulars at the restaurant, to accommodate them from time to time,'ť Tunney said Monday. 'œIt's done. It will not continue, as of today.'ť

Tunney on Tuesday declined to comment about the citations, beyond acknowledging he received them and has a hearing date early next year.

Tunney is the latest politician facing scrutiny for not following social distancing rules. Recently, California Gov. Gavin Newsom was ridiculed for attending a dinner at a restaurant and ignoring mask mandates. Also, Denver Mayor Michael Hancock flew to Houston ahead of Thanksgiving despite his warnings that people should stay close to home and spend the holiday with their own household.