Princeton mayor: 'The city of Princeton will not enforce the governor's restrictions on our businesses'

The governor extended mitigations for bars and restaurants in Princeton's health region to close for indoor service beginning Wednesday, but Princeton's mayor said the city doesn't intend to enforce those rules, leaving it up to businesses to do what's best.

In a post on his mayoral Facebook page, Joel Quiram stated the following: "The city’s position concerning the initial shut down in March, remains today. Nothing has changed. Absent any law stating otherwise, the city of Princeton will not enforce the governor’s restrictions on our businesses that go in effect on Wednesday.

"Since the pandemic began in March, our businesses and residents have made responsible decisions everyday with the virus in mind. Businesses will continue to do what is in their best interest and in the best interest of their customers, and residents will do the same. Please support all Princeton businesses."

The response from citizens was brisk Monday; within a couple hours the post has nearly 400 reactions, 200 comments and more than 600 shares. A vast number of the responses are in support of the mayor's stance.

Princeton Police Chief Tom Kammerer said Monday morning any enforcement of the shutdown mandate would be handled by Illinois State Police, not his department.

In a press conference last week, Gov. JB Pritzker said there are dozens of studies and articles on outbreaks in bars and restaurants, saying the establishments are "spreading locations."

Officials said the major issue with bars and restaurants is the need to remove a mask in order to eat or drink, which could lead to a further spread of the coronavirus.

In Princeton, Quiram is the city's liquor commissioner and oversees applications, licenses and violations.