CEO Liz Rammer has sent a letter to Governor Walz outlining a selection of best practices gathered from across the hospitality industry
Member Update
April 14, 2020
What's Inside:
COVID-19 Mitigation Letter
New Interim Final Rule on PPP
Critical Worker Definitions Updated
Sales Tax Remittance
Updated AHLA Frequently Asked Questions
Minneapolis Gap Funds for Small Businesses
COVID-19 Mitigation Letter
CEO Liz Rammer has sent a letter to Governor Walz outlining a selection of best practices gathered from across the hospitality industry and around the state to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 as businesses are permitted to open. We will continue to advocate for a swift decision that will allow businesses to open using stringent sanitizing, disinfecting and social distancing practices.
New Interim Final Rule on PPP
The Department of Treasury just released a new Interim Final Rule on additional eligibility criteria and requirements of the SBA’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).
Critical Worker Definitions Updated
DEED has expanded the definition of critical workers to include dock workers and those providing boat transportation services. Resort workers "supporting hotel portions of resorts are exempt; workers supporting communal amenities at resorts are not exempt and such amenities should remain closed.”
Sales Tax Remittance
It was clarified this week that the sales tax deferment does not include businesses not specifically listed in EO 20-04, which means that hotels, resorts and campgrounds are not exempt from remitting sales tax. When asked, Revenue has indicated that properties that cannot file or pay a specific tax by the stated due date can request abatement of penalty and interest for reasonable cause when they receive a bill from Revenue. The bill will provide information on how to request an abatement.
We are strongly urging the Department of Revenue to reconsider its position and allow short-term tax relief for these businesses that have been very negatively impacted by the crisis and provide a bridge to the other side. Allowing hotels, resorts and campgrounds to defer sales tax remittance will protect significant long-term revenue sources for the state and local governments in MN that are critical to our economy.
Updated AHLA Frequently Asked Questions
The American Hotel & Lodging Association has updated their FAQ on topics including Advocacy, Legal and Human Resources, Operations and General Virus Questions.
Minneapolis Gap Funds for Small Businesses
The City of Minneapolis has developed a $5,000-$10,000 forgivable, no-interest loan for small businesses with fewer than 20 employees and self-employed workers with under $1 million in revenue and located in certain parts of the city. Businesses can check their eligibility and complete an application online. The deadline to apply for this fund is Monday, April 20 at 12:00 p.m. (Noon).
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 onFacebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.
