Someone opened the firehose this week! Lots of good news and there's more in the pipeline: Governor says some restrictions will be removed on April 4th; $5-50k State grants opened Monday; There's movement on state bills that would remove alcohol licensing fees, increase discounts and loosen limits on premise extensions and number of events. Forthcoming Federal aid will provide relief to wider swath of hospitality operation types. And locally, a much-needed workers aid campaign launched and the City voted to extend fee-free outdoor business permits through 2021. Phew!!
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What you need to know about the changes going into effect at midinight on April 4:
- Enables bar service to resume
- The meal requirement for alcohol purchases will be eliminated
- The 11 p.m. curfew for alcohol sales will be lifted
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Indoor dining capacity raised to 75% for restaurants that have self-certified and 50% for those that have not
- Indoor events maximum occupancy will be 25%
- Outdoor event maximum occupancy will be 50%
Social distancing of seating and guests still required. Mask requirements still in effect. No one is permitted to consume food or drink while standing.
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Gov. Wolf: Effective April 4, More Options for...
As COVID-19 cases have declined and vaccination rates are climbing, Governor Tom Wolf today announced the lifting of some targeted restrictions on restaurants and other businesses, as well as increased gathering limits.
Read more
www.governor.pa.gov
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Not self-certified with the state? ,
Make sure you're set for 75% capacity on April 4 by self certifying here. It's quick, easy, and there's no reason not to.
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ATTENTION LIQUOR LICENSEES!
DO NOT FORGET - this is a license renewal year for Allegheny County. While the renewal fees have been waived for this year, you still must file your license renewal by April 2 through the PLCB+ portal, or your license will expire on May 31, 2021.
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SVOG APPLICATION OPENING DATE ANNOUNCED
Friday, the SBA announced that the Shuttered Venue Operator Grant application period will open on THURSDAY APRIL 8, 2021. If you plan to apply for the grant, you can sign up now in the newly opened SVOG portal.
There have been changes and updates made to the Shuttered Venue Operator Grant information, in part due to the passing of the American Rescue Plan Act.
Most notably, you can now apply for both a second round PPP loan AND the SVOG; however, any PPP funds awarded after December 27, 2020 will be deducted from the total SVOG funds awarded.
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NEW Federal Grants On The Way
Recently passed under the American Rescue Plan Act, the Restaurant Revitalization Fund grants will be administered by the SBA.
The $28.6 billion program is still being developed, but the Independent Restaurant Coalition has put together a list of FAQs and things to prepare before applying, including important step-by-step guides on registering a DUNS number and SAM account.
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CHIRP Grants for Food & Lodging Businesses
APPLY NOW- Funds Limited
If you still haven't applied for the State Hospitality Grant (CHIRP), or still aren't sure if you qualify, check out these helpful links:
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NightLife Line is a new organization in Pittsburgh focused on getting financial relief to out-of-work industry employees. There are many ways you can help, too. They are looking for: volunteers to help with administrative work, financial donations, testimonials from those in the industry to help spread the word, and sharing social media graphics Click the image below to check out their website.
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No Space Connected to your Licensed Premises to Expand Outdoor Seating?
Good news! Tuesday, The House Committee on Liquor Control voted unanimoursly to move HB 452 out of committee. What does that mean? Well, it means that liquor licensees are one step closer to being able to expand their outdoor area to a space within 1,000 feet of, but not contiguous to, their licensed premises. It still has to be voted on, so stay tuned.
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City Council Extends Outdoor Dining Permits through December 2021
DOMI permits issued to businesses for emergency outdoor dining were set to expire in April, but this week City Council and the Mayor signed legislation extending the process and fee waiver of emergency outdoor dining permits through the end of this year.
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DO NOT HAVE TEMPORARY OUTDOOR DINING?
Tell Us Why!
DOMI is looking to improve the process for Temporary Outdoor Dining and Retail and they want feedback from non-participants in the program. Please take a moment to complete a few brief questions.
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Check out previous COVID-19 resource newsletters for more information.
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HELP US HELP YOU: Send your questions, challenges, or useful tidbits to Allison or Emily. Or give us a call at 412-400-9007.
SHARE THIS NEWSLETER with other business owners and managers who work in or with Nighttime Economy. Sign up here to join our mailing list.
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References to a specific product, process, or service does not constitute or imply an endorsement. Always, consult your professional service providers to decide if a resource is a right fit for your business.
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