Member Update
May 27, 2020
What's Inside:
PPP Clarification
Alcohol To Go
Preparing to Reopen
Ask an Architect
Call on Congress for Targeted Liability Relief
Department of Labor Resources
HM in the News
In Other News
PPP Clarification
HR 6886 , a bill to fix the Paycheck Protection Program, will go to the House floor tomorrow. The bill – as introduced – would eliminate the 75/25 requirement for using the loan on payroll/non-payroll expenses. It would extend the covered loan period through the end of the year and alter the forgiveness rules to reflect good-faith efforts of an employer to bring an employee back onto payroll. Finally, it would codify the loan repayment as five years -- not two. It would also defer payment of employer payroll taxes. It is expected to pass with broad bi-partisan support and then move on to the Senate.
 
The fixes will apply to all PPP recipients, regardless of their small business sector.
Alcohol To Go
The League of Minnesota Cities’  Guidance for Cities  (posted in yesterday’s update) includes the answer to the question about whether or not restaurants with on-sale licenses can continue to sell beer and wine with take-out orders. Here is their answer to Q10 in the document:

  • A10. Yes. Because many establishments will not be able to make the transition to outdoor on-sale and those that do will only be able to under a very limited capacity, the Gov. Walz said in Executive Order 20-63 that the next phase is a partial extension of the previous closure executive orders and are not discontinuing the current ability for bars and restaurants to conduct off-sale in the quantities laid out by the Legislature.
Preparing to Reopen
As Minnesota continues its movement toward reopening, a reminder that every business is expected to develop a Preparedness Plan using templates available on the “ Safely Returning to Work ” site.
 
If you do intend to open for outdoor seating and/or you will be expanding into spaces not generally used for service, make certain to check with your insurance agent to confirm that you have proper coverage to do business in parking lots, streets, alleys, etc.
Ask an Architect
If you’d like expert advice on how to modify your physical plant to accommodate guests under the state’s guidance, the  American Institute of Architects Minnesota  chapter is offering one-hour Zoom consultations. The program will pair you with an architect who can help you explore options for your specific site. The program is first come, first served and there is a small administrative fee to participate.
Call on Congress for Targeted Liability Relief
Hospitality Minnesota has  signed on to an effort  by the American Hotel & Lodging Association to call on Congress to quickly enact temporary and targeted liability relief legislation related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Department of Labor Resources
The Department of Labor has created a ‘go-to’ page for critical Coronavirus information and resources. Links to guidance on OSHA-Workplace Safety, Unemployment Insurance and Wage-Hour issues are  available in one spot .
HM in the News
Businesses appear skittish in PPP’s second round  (Ben Wogsland quoted) | Twin Cities Business Magazine
In Other 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 .