# Chicago restaurants face uneven sidewalk light rules

> Chicago restaurants protest city’s inconsistent enforcement of sidewalk cafe light rules
- Title: Chicago restaurants face uneven sidewalk light rules
- Summary: Chicago restaurants protest city’s inconsistent enforcement of sidewalk cafe light rules Chicago’s sidewalk cafe light rules are enforced unevenly, hurting…
- Keywords: illinois restaurant association, chicago, sidewalk cafe, light rule, baco, department of business affairs and consu, department of buildings, department of transportation, municipal code, rosecoe village, lush wine spirits, mitch einhorn
- Source: Chicago Sun-Times — https://chicago.suntimes.com/the-watchdogs/2026/09/18/illinois-restaurant-association-toia-uneven-enforcement-sidewalk-cafe-lights-rule
- Published: 2026-09-18T11:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: illinois restaurant association, chicago, sidewalk cafe, light rule, baco, department of business affairs and consu, department of buildings, department of transportation, municipal code, rosecoe village, lush wine spirits, mitch einhorn
## Rule enforcement gap
Chicago’s sidewalk cafe light rules are enforced unevenly, with some restaurants allowed to hang lights while others face fines.

> If there is a reason why they’re telling us this is a hazard, then explain it because most restaurateurs are restaurateurs. They’re not electricians. They’re not building inspectors.
## Lush restaurant case
Lush Wine & Spirits was ordered to remove lights in March after a city inspector cited complaints about their outdoor decorations.
## Permit confusion
Lush owner Mitch Einhorn says he never heard of a law against hanging lights and was told BACP has no permit application process for outdoor lights.
## City response
Ald. Matt Martin’s office says they’re working with BACP to find a solution for sidewalk cafes to have string lights legally.
## Safety concerns
BACP says lights themselves aren’t violations but hanging cables on city property could be, following municipal code rules.
## Business impact
Restaurant owners say string lights create a romantic atmosphere that helps attract customers during tough economic times.
## Ald. Silverstein’s stance
Ald. Debra Silverstein says small businesses are already struggling and the city should support them, not fine them.
## Municipal code
The rule is Chapter 10-29 of Chicago’s Municipal Code, which governs wires, pipes, and cables on public property.
## Citywide issue
At least 40 restaurants on 12 blocks along Lincoln Avenue and West Fulton Market have outdoor lights legally installed.
## Lighting solutions
Lights are typically draped high above sidewalks, attached to trees or city poles, with some hidden in pergolas or conduits.
## BACP clarification
BACP says they enforce the municipal code but have no opinion on the lights themselves, only on how they’re installed.
## Economic pressure
Restaurant owners say string lights help create a romantic atmosphere that attracts customers during rising food and labor costs.
## City action
Ald. Debra Silverstein plans to review the issue with council colleagues to explore legislative options for clarity and safety.
## Key takeaway

Chicago’s sidewalk cafe light rules are enforced unevenly, hurting small businesses already struggling with costs