Good evening to the members of the NY Restaurant Community,
Today has been unlike anything we have ever experienced before. Knowing that all bars and restaurants across the state closed tonight at 8 pm is quite simply surreal. We at the New York State Restaurant Association greatly appreciate all of you reaching out with information on how you are managing this crisis, with questions about how to proceed and ideas on how we, or the government, can help. It has been invaluable to our staff in determining strategy and responding to the press.
In the days ahead, please keep updating us on your status and let us know how delivery and takeout is working for you. We will continue to push every level of government for relief from taxes and fees and insist on urgent economic aid. We won't stop fighting for the restaurant industry in New York. Tonight, we raise a glass to you and this incredible industry. Stay safe.
Melissa Autilio Fleischut
President and CEO
We are committed to keeping you informed every step of the way, here is a summary of legislative updates and NYSRA activities today.
Federal
- CDC and President Trump are now recommending no gathering larger than 10 people.
- Business groups are advocating that all business be allowed to waive payment of payroll taxes for as much as nine months.
- We have reached out to the Small Business Administration (SBA) to clarify when NY businesses can start requesting SBA loans.
- Uber Eats today announced efforts to support independent restaurant owners and operators as the hospitality industry faces unprecedented challenges amidst the COVID-19 state of emergency. Click here to learn more.
State
- Gov. Cuomo along with Gov. Murphy and Gov. Lamont announced that they are asking all bars and restaurants to close tonight at 8 pm and will be allowed to remain open only for takeaway and delivery. Read the Executive Order here.
- Gov. Cuomo also announced that he would be changing the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law to allow for delivery and takeaway of alcoholic beverages. We are awaiting guidance from NYSLA.
- State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli has called on the State to suspend the payment of state sales tax for restaurants, hotels and other small businesses. NYSRA continues to press very hard on this issue.
- State Legislative session was cancelled for today and is expected to resume on Wednesday as budget negotiations continue.
New York City
- Participated in a call with the Deputy Mayor’s Office and Small Business Services to understand the current needs of the restaurant industry. At their request we are putting together a list of all New York City fees that could be waived or postponed.
- The Mayor’s office announced that they will waive restrictions on e-bikes for delivery.
- Councilmember Mark Gjonaj has put a petition together for circulation, sign petition here.
Communications
- Responding to Coronavirus webinar held today for members and non-members with Felice Ekelman of Jackson Lewis and David Scott Peters of davidscottpeters.com. A recording of the webinar will be posted tomorrow.
- Did press interviews with Gannett, the Buffalo News, Bloomberg News, the Wall Street Journal, Crains NY, New York Business Journal, Yahoo Finance and WGY.
