GRA Weekly
December 15, 2022
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This week's newsletter is brought to you by GRA Corporate Partner, TriMark. |
The Time to Save on Electricity Costs is Today! ACT NOW!
The Georgia Restaurant Association fought hard for restaurants to have access to a rate that was previously only available to large, multi-unit chains. If you are a restaurant that uses Georgia Power, identifies as 722 in NAICS, and meet the actual peak demand requirement of not less than 30 kW, then you should reach out and ask about switching to the TOU-FD. We have heard testimonies from independent restaurants from across the state reporting an average savings of 10%-15% on their power bill.
You may contact Georgia Power’s Business Solutions Center directly at 1-888-655-5888. If you have any questions, you can contact us and we are happy to assist to the best of our ability or connect you with a trusted partner.
Background: Every 3 years, the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) holds hearings regarding the electricity rates suggested by Georgia Power. In 2019, the Georgia Restaurant Association (GRA) filed a rate case with the PSC against Georgia Power. There are over 80 different electricity rates. Restaurants and other medium businesses pay more for a unit of electricity than residential consumers and large manufacturers. Prior to 2020, large chains and franchises paid less for a unit of electricity than an independent restaurateur. The GRA successfully petitioned opened 3,000 slots for any restaurant filed as 722 of the NAICS to have access to the lower rate. The new rate is called Time of Use Food and Drink (TOU-FD).
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Did you know that you can generate donations while shopping, at no extra cost?
Simply start your shopping at smile.amazon.com/ch/85-0672071 to confirm "Georgia Restaurant Association Foundation" as your charity of choice, and AmazonSmile will donate a portion of your eligible purchase price to our organization.
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City of Atlanta | General Business License Renewal Season is Coming!
The 2023 business license renewal season is fast approaching. Beginning January 2, 2023 – February 15, 2023, you can renew your Business License for the year 2023. How can you get ready?
1) Make sure you are able to Log into your existing Atlanta Core Business Licensing portal & Permitting Portal
2) Complete and notarize required documents (Save & E-Verify affidavits)
3) Have a copy of your current, non-expired Government ID
4) Click this link for detailed information regarding the 2023 Business License process
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Georgia Department of Public Health issues notice of proposed rulemaking to implement HB 1443 to establish procedures for statewide permitting of food trucks.
The Department of Public Health proposes revisions to the rules located in Chapter 511-6-1, “Food Service,” pursuant to its authority under Georgia Code Section 26-2-373(a).
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HOLIDAY 'CHEERS' RESPONSIBLY |
ServSafe Offers Tools, Training to Serve Up Holiday ‘Cheers’ Responsibly
ServSafe Alcohol certification and new ServItUp resource center help restaurant owners and operators provide responsible alcohol service this winter
Chicago - As the winter holidays approach and Americans prepare to gather with family and friends, ServSafe is encouraging all who plan to serve or celebrate with alcoholic beverages to do so responsibly. For restaurant operators, the Association offers ServSafe Alcohol® training and certification programs for their on- and off-premises operations, as well as training programs specific to third-party delivery operations. In addition, earlier this year, ServSafe launched ServItUp(Opens in a new window), an online portal with alcohol-related tips and resources for restaurant owners, operators, employees, and their guests. Read more.
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FAST Act on hold until 2024 vote
A coalition of restaurant owners and operators has collected more than enough signatures from Calif. residents to put the FAST Act to the vote in 2024. This action means the controversial wage law—that allows an unelected council to regulate national QSR chain operations including wages, training, and health and safety standards—is on hold until voters decide whether to allow it. A collaborative, Save Local Restaurants, which includes the Intl. Franchise Association, the National Restaurant Association, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, coordinated the signature drive. Read more.
SBA offering hardship accommodation
Restaurants that received a COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and are experiencing short-term financial challenges can qualify for the Small Business Administration’s Hardship Accommodation Plan. Eligible participants can make reduced payments for 6 months; interest on the loan, however, will continue to accrue.
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What this means for restaurants: The SBA realizes that businesses are still recovering and facing economic hardships from the COVID-19 pandemic. The Association continues to advocate that the SBA implement a variety of measures to help struggling businesses.
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