City of Springfield to enforce latest executive order

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WICS/WRSP) — Springfield Mayor Jim Langfelder issued his sixth executive order on Friday, which requires bars and restaurants to have assigned seats and post mask requirements on their door.

“And it takes away that 25% capacity in standing rooms only," Springfield Police Chief Kenny Winslow said. "It’s hard for us to enforce and hard for us to engage. It’s much easier for us to look and see if someone has a seat and whether they’re there or not."

Winslow said this order addresses the recent uptick of cases in the county.

“This was mainly designed to address the recent uptick in the bars and restaurants, according to public health and them being the major contributor to that uptick in our community,” Winslow said.

The Springfield Police and Fire Departments will be checking on bars and restaurants to make sure they’re following the new order.

“Starting Friday and Saturday, the fire inspector, along with a police officer, will be going in to restaurants, bars throughout the city and making stops, compliance checks, and if someone is not in compliance, they will start issuing citations,” Langfelder said.

“We’re looking for people wearing masks, people being social distanced,” Springfield Fire Chief Allen Reyne said.

Langfelder said businesses could face a fine of up to $500 if they don’t comply.

“They’ll just start issuing tickets and go from there with regards to the enforcement aspect and try to gain enforcement through that process," Langfelder said. "Hopefully it doesn’t come to that, but there may be an instance where it calls that type of action."

Langfelder doesn’t want the state to impose more restrictions.

“We are at risk for rolling backwards per the state guidelines and we don’t want that happening because that would be disastrous for our economy,” Langfelder said.

So far, the Springfield Police Department has not issued any citations to bars or restaurants.

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