A proposal introduced in the state Senate provides a seven-point plan for providing emergency relief to bars and restaurants significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The proposal includes the creation of a $100 million grant program using the remaining federal CARES Act funds. Funds would assist retail liquor licensees.
Also, the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board’s wholesale licensee discount for wine and spirit would temporarily increase from 10 percent to 15 percent.
In addition, permit fees restaurants and taverns pay would be waived for one year.
The state would allow licensees to expand their licensed premises outdoors to non-contiguous areas within a certain distance; eliminate the $500 off-premises catering permit and cap on hours/events for an off-premises catering for the duration of the declared state of emergency; and eliminate late fees/penalties for delayed sales tax payments. Restaurants would be given until June 30, 2021 to pay off delinquent accounts.
The proposal also clarifies ambiguous language in business interruption insurance policies. The clarification would ensure claims filed during the pandemic are paid quickly and efficiently.
Any liquor licensees cited for violating the liquor code or public health orders would forfeit grants funds and would not have fees waived.
The proposal was introduced by state Sens. Jim Brewster (D–Allegheny/Westmoreland counties) and Pam Iovino (D–Allegheny/Washington counties).