Coronavirus and the restaurant industry: Petitions and fundraisers hope to keep eateries, bars afloat
March 22, 2020Acknowledging that needs may vary from place to place, the petition calls for emergency employment benefits to be granted to workers laid off or otherwise affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. The petition also called for waiving payroll tax, endorsing rent and loan abatement for employees, urging coordination with state liquor officials to allow restaurants offering delivery and take-out to also sell or deliver alcohol by the bottle, and waiving zoning restrictions to allow eateries to use their space for alternative purposes to continue paying staff and supporting purveyors.
The “Save America’s Restaurants” petition has since been signed by chefs Alice Waters, Hugh Acheson, Curtis Stone, Nancy Silverton, Stephanie Izard and Reem Assil, among many more.
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As for direct contributions, Eater reports groups like Dining Bond Initiative, Southern Smoke Foundation and Give Local are coordinating direct financial assistance for restaurants, while the United States Bartenders Guild is working to help bartenders affected by the COVID-19 crisis.
On Wednesday, the National Restaurant Association (NRA) asked the White House and congressional leaders for at least $455 billion in aid for relief, claiming the industry could lose nearly half of its 15.6 million workers during the coronavirus crisis, in addition to a quarter of annual sales, Reuters reports.
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“The restaurant industry is one of low margins, tight cash flow, and a workforce that depends on us for their livelihood. Without aggressive and immediate action from the federal government, many restaurants that are a staple of local communities will simply never resume service,” Sean Kennedy, NRA Executive Vice President of Public Affairs, said in the letter. “We urge you to take critical steps to support America’s restaurant industry and the 15.6 million workers we employ.”
Much like the larger “Save America’s Restaurants” bid, the NRA appeal’s proposed requests include direct and targeted financial relief, loans and insurance options for impacted small businesses and additional tax measures to benefit food and drink-serving businesses.
On Monday, President Trump released new coronavirus guidelines for the nation, urging Americans to avoid dining at bars, restaurants or food courts.
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As for the fast-food and fast-casual industry, some national chains like Chick-fil-A, McDonald’s, Burger King, Starbucks, Applebee’s and more are modifying how they serve customers through the ongoing outbreak. Many are limiting orders to drive-thru, take-out or delivery, as well as instituting other health and safety protocols.
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