Legislation would provide grants to hospitality businesses

State Reps. Joe Ciresi (D-Montgomery) and Tina Davis (D-Bucks) plan to reintroduce legislation that would provide grants to eligible bars, restaurants, catering halls, and banquet halls struggling from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Originally introduced during the summer, the bill was assigned to the Commerce Committee, but no further action was taken.

The updated version increases the grant amount to $200 million. It would utilize that state’s Rainy Day Fund to provide the grants, which would be capped to help as many local businesses as possible.

“Our restaurants and bars have had to play a major role in stopping the community spread of the COVID-19 virus for which they have paid a devastating financial cost,” Davis said. “The temporary suspension during the holiday season, although necessary, is yet another blow to the industry. It is grossly unfair that our ‘Mom and Pop’ restaurants and bars and their employees should have to bear this burden alone. As they have helped to protect our physical health, we need to protect their financial health through the passage of this legislation which would help them get through the pandemic.”

“It was disappointing that, with over 50 co-sponsors, a bill aimed at providing direct relief to our state’s most landmark institutions failed to receive consideration while we still had CARES Act money,” Ciresi said.