The restaurant industry is the nation’s second-largest private sector employer and employs over 14,000 people in York County. YCEA continues to monitor the impact that COVID-19 has had on the industry, along with other sectors. Now that we are nearly 5 months into the effects of the pandemic, it is no surprise that restaurants, bars, and others in the hospitality industry have been adversely affected by COVID-19.
Many restaurants had to close their doors during the initial height of the crisis, in the interest of public safety. This has come at an expense as many are at risk of job loss, businesses are at risk of closure, and we could see a permanent change in the make up of Downtown York and main streets all across YoCo.
YCEA and Downtown Inc have worked to ease the access to resources for businesses and are in awe of the innovation many have put in place to continue to operate safely. The flexibility and attention to detail has been paramount to their survival, but now we are at a cross roads as cases of COVID-19 continue to increase across the country. Our Governor has acted to help mitigate continued spread, but unfortunately mitigation efforts have been at the expense of restaurants and bars. Now the industry that has hosted and serviced us, is now in need of our assistance.
INTERESTED IN SHARING YOUR SUPPORT FOR THE RESTAURANTS ACT?
Beyond supporting your local restaurant with a purchase for takeout or socially distanced outside dinning, there are other ways you can take action. The Restaurants Act, S. 4012 or H.R. 7197, has been introduced at the federal level to provide the assistance needed for restaurants, see here. Members of Congress need to hear from restaurant/bar employees and citizens as a whole to ensure this relief comes to fruition. Looking for a quick way to share your support? Click the blue button below:
Urge your Congressmember and Senator to Support the Restaurants Act.
Your engagement in this legislation will ensure our officials in Congress know York County’s stance on the Restaurants Act.
For any questions on the legislation and other advocacy inquiries, please email David Gonzalez at dgonzalez@yceapa.org.
See below for more resources:
- The National Restaurant Association has put together a Blueprint for Restaurant Survival, see here.
- Looking for Small Business Grants? See links below:
- In need of reopening marketing material? YCEA has you covered, click here for flyers and graphics.