This week's updates are mostly related to financial relief efforts, with a few updates from the state regarding the recent restrictions.
Next week there will be no newsletter, unless there are any urgent updates that will impact your business. We will see you again on December 30 for a year-end wrap up. Thank you for make our city a more social and more hospitable place.
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MITIGATION DETAILS: WHAT'S NEW |
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Pennsylvania updated its Targeted Mitigation FAQ on Monday to reflect the temporary mitigation measures that went into effect last weekend. If you have any questions regarding the current mitigation rules, please check the FAQ or email Allison or Emily to be directed to the most current information.
Some of the more important questions from the FAQ:
Are the Orders mandatory?
Yes, it is mandatory that all applicable businesses follow the standards set forth in the Orders. These Orders are issued under the Disease Prevention and Control Law (Act) and are enforceable under that act.
Is there a waiver process or exceptions to the Governor's and Secretary of Health's Mitigation, Enforcement, and Immunity Protections Orders?
No, there is no waiver process. The Orders and guidance apply to all businesses other than health care providers.
How do the Governor's and the Secretary's Limited-Time Targeted Mitigation Orders affect my business?
While the Limited-Time Targeted Mitigation Orders are in effect:
- All in-person indoor dining at businesses in the retail food services industry, including bars, restaurants, and private catered events is prohibited.
- All in-person businesses serving the public within a building or defined area may only operate at up to 50% of the maximum capacity stated on the applicable certificate of occupancy, except as limited by existing Orders to a smaller capacity limit.
- Indoor operations at gyms and fitness facilities, including gyms at apartment buildings, are prohibited.
- All in-person retail businesses in the entertainment industry serving the public within a building or indoor defined area, including, but not limited to, theaters, concert venues, museums, movie theaters, arcades, casinos, bowling alleys, private clubs, and all other similar entertainment, recreational or social facilities, are prohibited from operation.
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SAFEKEEPING UPDATES:
While we have not heard an official answer yet, according to PRLA's Melissa Bova, the LCB is considering (and hopefully soon approving) a new amendment to the recent reinstatement of safekeeping requirements so that businesses will not need to place licenses in safekeeping during this temporary additional restriction to indoor dining.
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IF YOU ARE TEMPORARILY CLOSING...
Reminder that you must contact the Allegheny County Health Department at 412-578-8044 or foodsafety@alleghenycounty.us and notify them of your temporary closure.
Also: Remember to flush all service lines and perform safety checks prior to reopening for service.
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Here is a temporary closing checklist to make sure you dot your Is and cross your Ts.
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PA Department of Agriculture is taking reports of non-compliance very seriously. Businesses operating in violation of new orders can face fines and even criminal charges. |
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PA Department Of Agriculture Threatens Closures Of...
In an email we obtained from an anonymous source, we learned that the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture is threatening to fine and close businesses that continue to offer indoor dining despite the recent state mandates. The email, which can...
Read more
www.breweriesinpa.com
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DO YOU USE THIRD PARTY DELIVERY?
PA Office of the Attorney General is conducting a survey to assess the impact of delivery apps on restaurants in Pennsylvania. Please take their brief survey to let them know how using third party delivery services impacts your business.
Philadelphia was able to achieve a cap on delivery fees so please take the time to take the survey and make your voice heard here, .
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FROM THE PA DEPT OF REVENUE:
IMPORTANT TAX ASSISTANCE!
The Pa. Department of Revenue is willing to work with businesses struggling to make their sales tax payments due to the shutdown.
Additionally, the Department is reminding businesses that due to the decrease in sales in 2020, many businesses will go from a monthly to a quarterly payment in 2021.
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EXPANDED RENT RELIEF PROGRAM - MORE FUNDING AVAILABLE!
The URA has been able to expand its rent relief program thanks to a generous donation from RK Mellon Foundation. The program is now available anywhere in the city with a max grant of $3,000.
*Your landlord must agree to reducing your rent by at least $100 a month, for 3-6 months.
*The URA will reimburse your landlord for 50% of whatever reduction in rent they offer, up to $3,000 over the period it is reduced.
See flyer below or click here for more information.
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Don’t be Afraid of the “B” Word:
Understanding your Options and Bankruptcy
PRLA is hosting a webinar on Monday, December 21 at 10:30 AM to help business owners understand options when sustaining your business seems questionable at best. Join the webinar (and get the replay in your inbox if you can't watch live) by signing up here.
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PRWA Warm Hearts and Full Bellies This Winter
As we face this holiday season, a time usually filled with packed dining rooms, holiday parties, and a boost in income that we rely on to support us through the next few months, instead we are facing a continued rise in COVID-19 cases,...
Read more
ioby.org
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New 0% Loan Available from Allegheny County Economic Development
Loan term: 36 months
Interest rate: 0%
Loan maximum: $100,000
Deferment: The first 6 monthly payments can be deferred and the balance amortized
over 30 months
Location: anywhere in Allegheny County (including the city of Pittsburgh)
Preference: minority and women owned businesses
Credit: no personal credit checks are required
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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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