VRLTA Government Affairs Update

LEAD NEWS: Governor's Update - Governor Amends Hampton Roads Restrictions to Allow for Post-Midnight Carryout, Delivery, and Drive-Thru Service

As you know, the Governor recently imposed Executive Order 68 in Hampton Roads that restricts public gatherings, creates an alcohol curfew, and limits capacity at restaurants and closes them at midnight. However, the EO as written didn’t allow for carryout, delivery, or drive-thru service after midnight. VRLTA advocated for the EO to be adjusted to allow for restaurants to offer these services to the public. We are pleased to report that the EO was amended to incorporate our recommendations.

You may view the amended EO 68 here.

Federal Update: Main Street Lending Expansion, HOPE Act, Safe to Work Act, Federal Per Diem

Recently, the Senate Banking Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-ID), sent a letter to the Treasury Department and Federal Reserve urging the Main Street Lending Program (MSLP) be expanded to set up an asset-based lending program and commercial real estate program. In addition, the introduction of the HOPE Act shows significant progress is being made on this issue.

VRLTA recently joined the National Restaurant Association, American Hotel and Lodging Association, and hundreds of other organizations in sending a letter to Congress in support of S.4317, the Safe to Work Act. This measure would provide liability protections to businesses that reopen and follows proper public health guidance.

Virginia’s U.S. Senators—Tim Kaine and Mark Warner—recently sent a letter to the General Services Administration (GSA) expressing reservations about the negative long term implications of COVID-19 on federal per diem rates. They ask that the GSA take this impact into consideration when determining new per diem rates.

Take Action Today on Federal Relief Legislation

As you may know, hospitality and tourism businesses that have had their Paycheck Protection Program loans forgiven may lose some key tax deductions thereby creating a surprise tax liability. In addition, under the current federal proposals hospitality and tourism businesses may not be eligible for a new round of PPP funding. Please take action today on these importance issues!

You can contact your federal representatives here.

You can read a copy of the NRA letter to congress on these issues here.

You can read more about the PPP threshold issue here.

You can read more about the PPP loan tax deductability issue here.

Compliance and Training Materials Now Available from the Virginia Department of Labor & Industry

As we have previously shared, VDOLI recently adopted new emergency temporary standards for infectious disease prevention.

See the final text here.

NEW - A variety of education and training materials can be found here; many are also available in Spanish and other languages.

Virginia General Assembly Special Session Begins August 18

Governor Northam has called for the General Assembly to convene for a special session on August 18. According to procedural rules around the passage of legislation, it may last for at least two weeks. The focus is on the impact of COVID-19 on the budget and criminal justice reform. As more details are released, we will be sure to share any updates with you.

VRLTA Government Affairs Call this Friday, August 7 at 2 p.m.

Our next Government Affairs call will be August 7, at 2 p.m. - Dial in information: 202.602.1295, conference ID 789-103-256#

The agenda will include:

Welcome – Gary Cohen – Government Affairs Committee Chair
Virginia Legislative and Regulatory Update – Robert Melvin
General Assembly Special Session Update
Virginia COVID-19 Grant Relief Fund
Gubernatorial / Local COVID-19 Actions
VDOLI Regulations Update
VRLTA Chapter Zoom Meetings with Legislators – Robert Melvin
Federal Legislative Update – Robert Melvin
ABC Legislation and Regulations – Tom Lisk
AHLA/AAHOA/NRA Updates – Eric Terry/ Chris Savvides/ Vinay Patel
Other New Business