Legislation would create grant program for hospitality industry

Legislation recently introduced in the state House of Representatives would create a grant program to help relieve Pennsylvania’s hospitality industry for businesses impacted by COVID-19 and the resulting shutdown orders.

The program would dedicate $500 million in COVID relief federal assistance to grants that would be used to help the industry after the pandemic ends.

“The damaging and crippling effects from unfair restrictions on those in the hospitality industry is alarming,” Rep. Todd Polinchock (R-Bucks), who introduced the bill, said. “This industry is one of our largest in Pennsylvania and has assumed an unfair amount of financial burden as we work to mitigate the COVID-19 virus. We need to do everything we can to protect these small businesses, from restaurants, taverns, and breweries to our caterers and hotels and all the employees who work in it.

“I am committed to each and every one of you who as expressed your concerns, especially those in the hospitality industry. This legislation is aimed to support, revive, and rebuild one of our most vibrant industries prior to this pandemic.”

According to the Pennsylvania Restaurant and Lodging Association, between 50 percent and 60 percent of Pennsylvania restaurants will close by the end of the year, without additional government funding.