Take Action on PPP, Maximizing Space Webinar, What To Do If Positive Case in Your Facility Guide

The Illinois Restaurant Association continues to engage with local, state, and federal officials to help our employers and employees address concerns about COVID-19.

Please see the below resources and information for your business - updated as of 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 5.

***

Send a Message Today - PPP Program Must Be Improved for Restaurants

Under current proposals in Washington, restaurant operators who had Payroll Protection Program (PPP) loans forgiven may lose some key tax deductions, creating a surprise tax liability. Additionally, the majority of restaurants might not be eligible for a new round of PPP funding. These two critical issues are why you need to take action now.

As Congress tries to move towards agreement on a final COVID relief package, plans have emerged for a new round of PPP funding that would require businesses to demonstrate a 50% loss of revenue.  According to recently released data, 55% of restaurants that are losing money would not be eligible for this new funding! Congress must fix the legislation to ensure that more restaurants—the hardest hit businesses by the COVID-19 pandemic—are eligible. 

When Congress created PPP, its intent was for business expenses paid by PPP to be tax deductible. However, guidance from the IRS says that expenses paid for with a forgiven loan are now taxable.

Restaurants across the country may soon face surprise tax liability when they can least afford it. Some restaurants have indicated that this surprise tax liability could be the final factor that causes them to close. Congress must make business expenses paid for by PPP tax deductible.

Take action now to help protect restaurants from surprise tax liabilities! 

Tomorrow Morning - Webinar on Maximizing Your Guest Space

Join the IRA and experts architects and planners for a webinar tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. to learn how to open and maximize the safe use of your indoor and outdoor space.

From permits to design, architects and planners from City Open Workshop will join the Illinois Restaurant Association for a webinar offering expert advice for restaurants and bars looking to optimally use their space for guests.

This webinar is provided in partnership with Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and the Cook County Community Recovery Initiative.

**Este seminario web se transmitirá en inglés y español.**

**此网络研讨会有中文及英文两种放送版本**

Click here to register.

What to Do When a COVID-19 Positive Case Has Been Reported in Your Facility

Operators are encouraged familiarize themselves with the IRA's guide of protocols to follow when a confirmed COVID-19 case has been in your facility.

The guide includes: general best practices, cleaning and disinfecting policies, employee leave requirements, notification templates, and more.

Click here to review the guidelines.

Next Week - Sam Toia Addresses City Club of Chicago

On Wednesday, August 12 at 11:00 a.m., IRA President & CEO Sam Toia will be addressing the City Club of Chicago to discuss the current challenges and outlook for the restaurant and hospitality industry.

Click here to register for the free virtual event.

Cook County Issues Recommended Guidelines for Restaurants and Bars

Earlier this week, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and the Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) issued voluntary guidance for bars, restaurants, fitness clubs, personal care businesses and other gathering places to respond to a new surge in COVID-19 cases in suburban Cook County, particularly among young adults.

The guidelines are recommended and voluntary, and will not be enforced in suburban Cook County.

Measures include:

• Bars, taverns, breweries and other establishments that serve alcohol for on-site consumption without a retail food license are being asked to serve customers outdoors only.

• Restaurants that serve alcohol need to continue to abide by ongoing COVID-19 guidance and existing regulations.

• Maximum party size and table occupancy at restaurants, bars, taverns, and breweries should be reduced to 6 people (indoor or outdoor).

• Indoor fitness class size should be reduced to a maximum of 10 people.

• Personal service businesses should discontinue services (shaves, facials) that require the removal of face coverings.

• Residential property managers should limit guest entry to 6 people per unit to avoid indoor gatherings and parties.

In addition, businesses and workplaces should:

• Institute remote work for high-risk individuals and continue to support telework for as many workers as possible.

• Retail establishments should maintain no more than 50% capacity, which is the current recommendation.

Click here to read the full announcement.

Click here to read more from Chicago Sun-Times.