6/25/20 Update
LEAD NEWS - Governor's Update - Phase Three Coming July 1

Today, the Governor indicated that he will be ending the press conferences that he hosts twice weekly.

He also reiterated that Virginia is entering Phase Three of reopening next week. You can view the Phase Three guidelines here .
Alewerks in Williamsburg Supporting VRLTA Relief Fund
 
Alewerks Brewing Company is releasing a new, limited-edition brew called Absolute Uncertainty, and proceeds will benefit VRLTA's Restaurant & Hospitality Relief Fund. Learn more about it here !

One place teaming up with Alewerks to sell the beer is the Lost Dog Cafe McLean - eat there and drink an Absolute Uncertainty, and you'll be helping out the Lost Dog Rescue Foundation AND VRLTA's Relief Fund!

Thank you, Alewerks, for supporting VRLTA's work in supporting restaurant and hospitality employees and businesses.
Virginia Department of Labor and Industry Proposed COVID-19 Regulations

Yesterday, the Safety and Health Codes Board of the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry met to deliberate new emergency standards that would imposed additional COVID-19 safety requirements for Virginia businesses. The Board also had to review the thousands of comments that were offered during the 10 day window soliciting feedback from the public.

The meeting lasted approximately eight hours with frequent discussions as to whether they should delay taking action. Ultimately, the Board agreed to meet again for final consideration of the proposed regulations sometime next week to vote for final approval. If approved, the regulations could go into effect as early as July 15, 2020.

As we previously shared with you, VRLTA encouraged hospitality and tourism related businesses to share their thoughts and comments with the Board. VRLTA also sent along a letter outlining our issues with the proposal.

You can view a copy of the letter VRLTA sent along to the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry here .

You can view the VDOLI proposed standards with revisions incorporated here .
Reopening News

Hotels: Interested in providing emergency shelter?
 
In accordance with public health guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in congregate settings, the Commonwealth is seeking to partner with hotels to provide shelter in the event of ordered evacuations this hurricane season.

The use of non-congregate spaces aligns with the Commonwealth’s ongoing efforts to prevent further spread of COVID-19. Your participation would provide critical isolated shelter options needed to ensure appropriate social distancing during an emergency response. If you are interested in participating, please complete this brief survey, which should take 5 – 10 minutes. Filling out this survey does not guarantee a contract for such use but rather provides the Commonwealth with information about willingness, availability and planning parameters for such use. Please only fill out the survey once for each hotel location. As planning progresses or if the need arises someone will reach out to you when appropriate.

Complete the survey here: https://arcg.is/0u5PjK
VTC Marketing Aid for Tourism Authorities
Governor Northam has announced a recovery marketing fund that is available to destination marketing organizations (DMO) across the Commonwealth. The program is titled the WanderLOVE Recovery Grant Program. This program will be administered by the Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC), and will provide up to 50 grants to DMOs of up to $10,000 each.

You can read the entire press release here .

The WanderLOVE summer campaign is being integrated into the LOVEworks program, which you can view here .

Applications for the DMO WanderLOVE Recovery Grant Program open on June 18, 2020 and close on July 2, 2020. Awardees will be announced by July 15, 2020. You can apply for the DMO Recovery Grants here .

The DMO WanderLOVE Recovery Grant Program is only open to eligible DMO partners, but the VTC’s traditional Marketing Leverage Program (MLP) grants will open to all Virginia tourism industry partners in August 2020. More information on that program is available here .
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.
There is Still Time to 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 $35,000 has been raised to date!

The fund is still open, and the need is still there. Please consider a donation today.

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!