CHICAGO — The Hideout, a bar and venue beloved by musicians and progressive politicos, is closing through at least the end of the month due to the coronavirus, its owners announced Friday.
Owners Tim and Katie Tuten and their staff are urging patrons to tip workers online during the closure so the bar/venue can “weather the storm.” The money raised will be “promptly” shared with Hideout staffers, they said in an email.
“Workers across the hospitality industry — whose livelihoods depend on people gathering together — are suffering the immediate health and economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic,” the owners wrote.
The owners did not provide a reopening date but wrote, “We have every intention of opening back up as soon as we can, and remaining a place of community for years to come.”
“We will keep you posted as things develop, and we develop other ways we can all help our staff, performers, and community. …Let’s all stay healthy, and take care of each other.”
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Small businesses everywhere are taking an enormous hit as coronavirus cases spread across the globe and many opt to stay in their homes.
As of Thursday afternoon, 32 people had tested positive for coronavirus in Illinois, many of them in Chicago and Cook County.
Chicago Public Schools are still open, but the Chicago Teachers Union is calling for all schools to be closed. Chicago’s Catholic schools are slated to close beginning Monday.
Officials have banned events of 1,000 people or more and are heavily discouraging any events that could bring together 250 or more people.
The Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia Ave., is refunding patrons for canceled shows, but asked for patience “due to the high volume of refunds.”
Patrons and ticket-holders can contact the bar/venue at hideoutinn@gmail.com with any questions.
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