Federal Vaccine Mandate, EIDL Improvements, IRA on Vaccine Passports

President Biden Announces Federal Vaccine Mandate for Employers with 100+ Employees

Yesterday, President Biden announced that he will sign an executive order directing the U.S. Department of Labor to mandate COVID-19 vaccinations for all personnel at companies with more than 100 employees. The directive is expected to include a mandatory weekly test-out option, if the employee refuses the vaccine.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) will issue an Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) to implement this requirement, which impacts more than 80 million workers in private sector businesses. The ETS will also include a requirement that these employers provide paid time off for employees to go get their vaccine.

At this time, there is no language available, and reports indicate the rule won't be issued for several weeks. There is also not yet an announced effective date for this proposed rule.

The IRA supports vaccinations for everyone - it’s the best way to get the pandemic behind us. While we appreciate the intent of this executive order, we hope that the Administration will work with our industry to take into consideration the unique operations of restaurants when creating the guidelines for implementation.

Click here to learn more about the White House’s vaccination plans here.

We will continue to monitor the issue and will provide updates as details become available.

IRA on Chicago Aldermen Letter Encouraging Vaccine Passport Requirement

This week, a group of Chicago aldermen sent a letter to Mayor Lightfoot to encourage the city to require vaccine passports for people to enter indoor public places, similar to New York City's requirement.

IRA President & CEO Sam Toia spoke with Crain's Chicago Business about the prospect of a vaccine passport in Chicago.

"It would be extremely difficult for smaller operators that don't have the staff, training, and financial breathing room to start turning people away," said Toia. "Can an owner afford to lose a five-top walking out?"

Click here to read more.

Improvements Announced for COVID EIDL Program, Webinar Next Week

As you are well aware, the IRA and National Restaurant Association has taken an “all of the above” approach to federal recovery efforts. From the Paycheck Protection Program, the Employee Retention Tax Credit, to the Restaurant Revitalization Fund – we are focused on providing relief through every possible measure.

Last week, we told you about our ongoing work with the Small Business Administration (SBA) to improve the COVID Emergency Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program to make it more usable for restaurants. The SBA listened, and yesterday unveiled a new expansion of the program – increasing the loan limit and improving the range of uses, all while retaining the same very low federal interest rate.

Specifically, the new COVID EIDL program includes:

• An increase in the loan cap amount to $2 million from a current cap of $500,000. Eligible businesses that have already received a COVID EIDL loan for a smaller amount can apply to increase their loan. 

• Requirements for businesses that are affiliated will now mirror the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF). 

• COVID EIDL funds can be used to pre-pay business debt, allowing restaurants to that are carrying higher-interest commercial debt or even credit card debt (acquired over the last year) to use COVID EIDL funds to pay outstanding debt balances in one lump sum.  

Expansion of the RRF remains a priority, and you’ll hear more from us on that front next week. But we urge you to consider the COVID EIDL program to improve the strength of your business. 

On Wednesday, September 15 at 1:00 p.m. (Central), the National Restaurant Association will offer a free webinar on the COVID EIDL program, with a top SBA official to walk us through the substance and take your questions. 

Click here for a new fact sheet on the COVID EIDL program.

Rooftop Membership Mixer Recap

Thank you to everyone that made it out Wednesday evening for the IRA's Rooftop Membership Mixer at Wrigley Rooftops. It was great to reconnect with 100+ industry professionals and enjoy a Cubs win!

Special thanks to Title Sponsor Smithfield Culinary, Presenting Sponsor Society Insurance, and Event Sponsor Social Eats for their support of the event.

For more information about upcoming IRA membership events, please contact Christine DeSousa.