5/13/20 Update
LEAD NEWS: Governor's Update

Recently, the Governor signed Executive Order 62 which restricts the Northern Virginia region from moving into Phase One until May 29. The Northern Virginia region jurisdictions that will not enter Phase One on May 15 include the cities of Alexandria, Falls Church, Fairfax, Manassas, and Manassas Park, the counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Prince William, and Loudoun. It also applies to the Towns of Leesburg, Dumfries, Herndon, and Vienna.

What is not clear is if other local towns—Middleburg, Haymarket, Occoquan, Quantico, Clifton, and others in the counties of Prince William, Fairfax, and Loudoun—not mentioned in EO62 are subject to this delayed reopening process.

You can view Executive Order 62 here . 
Updated VA ABC Guidance, including outdoor dining guidance

Virginia ABC released updated guidance today, including information on offering beverages in outdoor dining areas as allowed by Governor Northam's Executive Order 61 ( EO 62 for Northern Virginia).

See the full document here (outdoor dining guidance is 'Topic 16' on pages 25 & 26)
Federal Update

The U.S. House of Representatives has released its next proposed legislative package in response to COVID-19. You can view the NRA's detailed overview of the bill here .
Reopening Resources & Business Support Grants/Loans

We continue to post resources related to reopening on our website. Visit this page for the latest reopening resources, and this page for the latest news.

In addition, we have a robust listing of opportunities - grants, loans, and other support - available to businesses in localities around the state. New or updated this week: information for Fairfax, Rosslyn, and Lynchburg. Visit this page to learn more, and let us know if you have additional resources to share.
Update from NRA's Sean Kennedy

This morning, members of the VRLTA Board of Directors heard from Sean Kennedy, the National Restaurant Association's Executive Vice President of Public Affairs. Sean provided insight into the NRA's advocacy efforts and priorities and also answered questions. VRLTA's close relationship with the NRA has been extremely helpful in identifying work VRLTA can assist with on the federal level. For more information or questions, reach out to Eric Terry .
Help VTC Understand the Impacts of Coronavirus on your Organization

Help VTC understand the impact on your area, attraction, or organization by filling out this survey: https://sirresearch.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8IbZLmd2ji1snwp
Open Our Restaurants Petition

VRLTA member Sedona Taphouse recently created a petition urging Governor Northam to allow limited indoor dining at restaurants in Phase One. You can view and sign the petition here .
ServSafe offering new, FREE reopening training

ServSafe is committed to helping restaurants with information and training needs related to the coronavirus pandemic. Now that states are moving cautiously toward reopening businesses like restaurants and foodservice operations, they have prepared a free training video outlining the steps restaurant line level employees are encouraged to utilize in returning to full-service operations. Learn more here .

Also, remember, ServSafe has additional free resources related to safe takeout and delivery.
Support the VRLTA Restaurant & Hospitality Relief Fund

VRLTA's industry relief fund is aiding workers displaced by the recent restaurant and hospitality industry shutdowns and also helping affected businesses. Over $30,000 has been raised to date!

Donations can be made through VRLTA's website at    https://www.vrlta.org/donations/donate.asp?id=19606   .
Virginia is for Restaurant Lovers Merchandise Supports the VRLTA Relief Fund - Make a purchase to show your support today!

VRLTA has also partnered with the Virginia Tourism Corporation to create a Virginia is for Restaurant Lovers t-shirt, and other merchandise, with a portion of the proceeds going to the Fund. 

Continue to visit https://www.virginiaisforrestaurantlovers.com for updated information!