Member Update
April 20, 2020
What's Inside:
It’s Beer AND Wine
Seasonal Campgrounds
Congressional Updates
Employer COVID-19 Guidelines
In the News
It’s Beer AND Wine
Earlier today we became aware that the Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement Division was erroneously providing guidance to cities and operators that restaurants can only sell units of beer  or   wine with to-go orders, when the law specifically states they can sell units of beer  and   wine. Our government relations team immediately went into action to contact the Division and city reps. The Division has since corrected its guidance.
Seasonal Campgrounds
Earlier today we obtained a copy of correspondence from the State’s Critical Sectors Team responding to an inquiry about campgrounds:

“…yes, you can go and access the lot and property that you pay for and/or own. We don’t encourage it (we are actively advising against unnecessary travel and traveling long distance for recreation-the Order asks that people stay close to home to recreate), but it isn’t illegal. Specifically, what we are trying to avoid is people who come up and utilize sites that constantly turn over, every weekend, or ever week…” 
 
This is welcome clarification of the interpretation we’ve sought regarding “seasonals” (rig owners who rent and use the same seasonal sites vs sites that turn over frequently). We will continue our advocacy efforts to allow campgrounds and resorts to safely open more broadly.
Congressional Updates
One of the many benefits of coming together as one organization as Hospitality Minnesota is the opportunity to leverage the work our national lodging, RV Parks/Campground and Lodging associations are doing on the federal level. It’s important to know that each of these organizations is seeking increased funding support that  will help all of our sectors  survive the crisis. With so many of our businesses unable to operate, or operate anywhere close to normal levels, the more voices the better in getting the attention of lawmakers to help support Minnesota’s hospitality and tourism industry. Please be sure to familiarize yourself with the access you now have to this expanded group of national resources that work with the HM team to advocate on your behalf.
 
Our peers at the AHLA report that Congress continues to work towards an agreement to replenish funding for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) that was established under the CARES Act. As of this afternoon, the Senate agreed via Unanimous Consent (UC) to have a pro forma session tomorrow at 4 pm and there is hope that the Senate could pass the deal at that time. If that occurs, the House will likely need to have a quorum (more than half of all members) present to once again pass this deal via voice vote and that could happen as early as Wednesday. The negotiated package is rumored to provide approximately $460 billion in additional funding to assist both small business owners and health care providers and could include:  

  • Over $300 billion to replenish the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) which ran out of money last week; 
  • $65 billion for the Small Business Administration's disaster (EIDL) relief fund; 
  • $75 billion for hospitals; and 
  • $25 billion for additional coronavirus testing. 
The National Restaurant Association today wrote  to House Speaker Pelosi and leaders McConnell, McCarthy and Schumer to update them on the devastating impact the coronavirus pandemic is having on the restaurant industry. For an industry with sales that exceed the agriculture, airline, railroad, ground transportation, and spectator sports industries combined, a restaurant relief and recovery program  is desperately needed. 
Employer COVID-19 Guidelines
The National Restaurant Association Restaurant Law Center Offers Employer COVID-19 Guidelines What can and can't employers require of their employees when it comes to their health status on the job? The Association's Restaurant Law Center, working with legal experts from Jackson Lewis, P.C., answer many of the most commonly asked questions surrounding temperature checks, HIPAA liability and doctor's notes to return after illness.  [Learn More]
In the News
Our Member Updates are generally sent to members only. In the interest of public health and the health of our industry, we encourage you to share this update widely. Additional resources can be found on our  website  and through our social media posts on   Facebook , LinkedIn  and  Twitter .