Distilled Spirits Council Statement on the House Passage of the American Rescue Plan Act
“We commend the House for making the revitalization of the hospitality industry a priority with the creation of a Restaurant Revitalization Fund, which will provide critical funding to restaurants, bars and distilleries at a time when they need it most. The fund’s $25 billion in grants will help hospitality businesses keep their doors opened and workers employed. The hospitality industry is bearing a disproportionately higher financial burden from COVID-19 and has a challenging road ahead. We will continue to advocate for full funding of the RESTAURANTS Act to provide restaurants, bars, and distilleries the relief they need to recover and rebuild for a brighter future.”
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Background:
- The lead sponsors of the RESTAURANTS Act (H.R. 793/S. 255) are Rep. Blumenauer (D-OR) and Rep. Fitzpatrick (R-PA) in the House and Sen. Sinema (D-AZ) and Sen. Wicker (R-MS) in the Senate. The RESTAURANTS Act creates a $120 billion Restaurant Revitalization Fund.
- The House-passed COVID-19 relief package provided $25 billion for the Restaurant Revitalization fund. Through this fund, eligible entities may receive grants to offset revenue losses in 2020 compared to 2019.
- An eligible entity includes: a restaurant, saloon, tavern, bar, lounge, tasting room, taproom, licensed facility or premise of a beverage alcohol producer where the public may taste, sample, or purchase products, or similar facility.
- Grants may be used for payroll, mortgage or rent payments, utilities, maintenance expenses (including construction to accommodate outdoor seating), supplies (including protective equipment), food and beverage expenses within the scope of normal business practice, debt obligations, operational expenses, and paid sick leave.