“Restaurants, bars and distilleries have been absolutely devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Restaurant Revitalization Fund will provide critical funding for these businesses as they work to get back on their feet. Specifically, hospitality businesses will be able to use the $28.6 billion in grants to keep the lights on and provide good-paying jobs. Our nation’s restaurants, bars and distilleries are in desperate need of relief, and this bill is a great place to start. 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 Senate-passed COVID-19 relief package provided $28.6 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, covered supplier costs, operational expenses and paid sick leave.