6/18/20 Update
NEXT VRLTA Membership Call -
Tomorrow , June 19, at 2 p.m.
 
Join us for an update call: Friday, June 19, at 2 p.m.

Dial in information: 202.602.1295, conference ID 789-103-256#
LEAD NEWS - Governor Releases Phase 3 Guidelines

Today, Governor Northam released his Phase Three reopening guidelines. While he has not specified when Virginia will enter Phase Three, he did mention that he is observing the spikes in other states that have entered the reopening process.

You can view a copy of the Phase Three guidelines here . 
Department of Labor & Industry Regulations to place additional requirements on businesses - Submit your feedback by 6/22!
 
The Virginia Safety and Health Codes Board (SHCB) for the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry (DOLI) is currently considering proposed regulations that would deal create additional requirements for businesses pertaining to COVID-19. As we previously shared with you, the Governor has called for these regulations to be promulgated.

The proposed standards would impose additional mandates on businesses, and conflict with existing standards from Virginia Department of Health and the Governor’s Executive Orders. You can read more about it here .

VRLTA is reviewing the proposed regulations and will be sending comment to DOLI; however, it’s critical that you also weigh in with regulators on this critical subject.

The comment period for these regulations is open until June 22 nd . We urge you to weigh in and share your feedback on this proposal with the Safety and Health Codes Board at the Department of Labor and Industry.

The proposed regulations can be found here .
You can provide comment here .

Federal Update
 
The Virginia Restaurant, Lodging & Travel Association signed onto a letter (similar to the Virginia business coalition one we joined recently) with other state restaurant associations and the National Restaurant Association. In the letter we urge the U.S. Department of Treasury and the U.S. Small Business Administration to create a streamlined PPP forgiveness process. You may view that letter here .

In addition, the National Restaurant Association has been working with Senators Roger Wicker (R-MS) and Kysten Sinema (D-AZ) in introducing a restaurant specific relief plan. The Senators asked for the NRA to provide feedback on the proposal they are considering introducing. The feedback from the NRA to the Senators can be found here . 
Unemployment Insurance Information
 
Recently the Virginia Employment Commission (VEC) hosted a webinar that covered many COVID-19 related Unemployment Insurance issues. Below you will find the resources that VEC shared with attendees.


Updated Virginia Restaurant Promise Printable Posters  

We've updated the Restaurant Promise Posters to reflect the changes for Phase Two. Links to print each size:


Help spread the word! Tag us on social with #VARestaurantPromise, #VirginiaIsForRestaurantLovers, #VRLTA, #VirginiaEatsLocal, and #TakeoutTuesdayVA.
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!