Big News On Fixes to PPP!
Together, our calls for Congress to fix the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) on behalf of the restaurant industry are making a difference. On Wednesday, House lawmakers will vote to approve
bipartisan legislation
that will make real changes in PPP, extending the period restaurants can use to spend federal loans, giving more flexibility in how the loans are used, and extending the date that restaurants can bring their teams back online.
For over six weeks, the IRA has worked with you, the National Restaurant Association, and other state restaurant associations to push Congress to finally make the PPP work for an industry that has seen
more job loss
than any other during this pandemic. This week’s scheduled vote is proof-positive that together,
we can make a difference
.
We thank House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) for their bipartisan leadership in supporting this measure, and Representatives Chip Roy (R-TX) and Dean Phillips (D-MN) for drafting this needed legislation.
The Senate is considering how to fix the PPP – and we will need your voice to press for them to finish the job. Stay tuned for an update after the House vote and a call-to-action to move a real PPP fix through the Senate.
Happy Memorial Day – and thank you for you fighting for the future of the restaurant industry!
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Illinois Restaurant Promise - D
ownload the Poster for Your Restaurant
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In partnership with the IRA and health officials across the state, restaurant owners and operators make these commitments to earn this endorsement during the COVID-19 recovery period.
When customers see this endorsement, they can be comfortable that the restaurant is taking all necessary steps to protect their employees and customers and is committed to playing a leadership role in protecting our communities.
Click here
to download the poster for your establishments.
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State Releases Phase 3 Outdoor Dining Reopening Guidance and Toolkit for Restaurants and Bars
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“The outdoor operational guidelines provided by Governor Pritzker and his team prioritize health and safety while allowing our state’s eating and drinking establishments to start bringing their team members back to work,” said IRA President & CEO Sam Toia. “We are pleased to see Phase 3 outdoor guidelines extend to a range of food and beverage service providers, and while we recognize this is not a solution for every business, we are encouraged by the creative plans in progress by local municipalities to implement measures that will help broaden the opportunities. This is one step forward in getting our restaurants and bars open in a safe, measured way while allowing diners to come back to the places and experiences they’ve missed.”
The document specifies: the eating and drinking establishments who may operate in this capacity, party size limitations, operational procedures for seating, menus and service standards, and – at the cornerstone – recommended enhanced health and safety measures to protect public well-being.
For the purposes of these guidelines, a dining or drinking area is considered an outdoor dining or drinking area if the area meets any of the following criteria:
- Located on the rooftop of a building or within establishment with retractable roof (should remain open during hours of operation of outdoor dining and/or drinking); or
- Outdoor space connected to or located on the site of a restaurant, grocery store, health or fitness center, hotel, golf club, or other social club with a food establishment license; or
- Indoor space where 50% or more of a wall can be removed via the opening of windows, doors, or panels provided that dining tables are within 8-ft from such opening; or
- Any other outdoor dining and drinking areas authorized by local governments provided that food and drinks are prepared by licensed food or liquor establishments and that proper social distancing of 6-ft between designated customer tables and/or other seating areas is observed and parties are of 6 persons or fewer
Operators must also look to their local municipalities and health departments for further guidance. The city of Chicago's guidance has not yet been released.
A state of Illinois Phase 3 reopening toolkit for restaurants and bars is also available
here
.
Included in the
toolkit
are the following materials:
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IRA PPE and Reopening Resource Guide Now Live
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The IRA has launched a
premier resource base
of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) and reopening services for restaurants, including: hand sanitizer, face coverings, gloves, cleaning and sanitizing supplies, plexiglass, menus, floor markers, signs, and more.
Click here
to let us know if you would like to join the IRA’s reopening resource page and offer PPE materials and equipment to restaurants and bars throughout Illinois. Companies must be current IRA Associate members in order to be featured. Contact
Emilee Lyons
for more information on listing your company.
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Who Do You Know? Take Our Elected Official Relationship Survey
As we continue to advocate on behalf of the industry during COVID-19, the IRA and National Restaurant Association are working to identify existing and new relationships our members have with local, state, and federal elected officials. The results will allow us to get a comprehensive sense of which restaurant operators have relationships with lawmakers across the state.
Amplifying our industry’s story begins with you, and we greatly appreciate your participation.
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Please
visit our website
for the latest COVID-19 updates, in addition to the above resources and information for your business. Updated as of 7:25 p.m. on Monday, May 25.
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