Program would assist restaurants, bars affected by pandemic restrictions

Legislation recently introduced in the state Senate would create a program to help restaurants and bars devastated by COVID-19 closings and restrictions.

The bill would establish a $145 million Hospitality Industry Recovery Program and amend the state fiscal code to allocate $197 million for education programs and $569.8 million for Rental and Utility Assistance.

The program would provide grants in increments of $5,000 up to $50,000. Businesses in the restaurant industry must meet three criteria to qualify. They were subject to closure by COVID-19 disaster emergency and extensions, experienced a revenue reduction of at least 50 percent, and have not received a loan or grant from the state or federal government.

“Over the past year, I have spoken with hundreds of owners of restaurants, taverns, bars, and hotels,” state Sen. Pat Stefano (R-Fayette, Somerset, and Westmoreland Counties), who introduced the bill, said. “They have all echoed the same message; no business in this industry can sustain operations under the current restrictions. This financial assistance will provide them with a crucial lifeline that could save family businesses and jobs.”

The Senate Appropriations Committee approved the amendment, and the bill moves to the full Senate for consideration.

In Pennsylvania, the restaurant industry employs more than 500,000.