Several restaurant and bar leaders expressed frustration over the state's ongoing COVID-19 safety guidelines as they questioned the 25% indoor seating capacity restriction and the state's contact tracing data.
The reaction comes as Democratic leaders asked for those industry leaders to join them for a hearing to discuss possible legislation and suggestions to help owners stay afloat.
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"It continues to be clear that there is no data to support this mitigation nor any reason for this attack against the hospitality industry to continue," said Bill Covaleski of Pennsylvania's Restaurant and Lodging Association.
The Senate Democratic Caucus requested that the Senate Democratic Policy Committee hold the joint virtual public hearing on the restaurant industry on Friday. Members of the PA Dept of Agriculture, Health, and Community and Economic Development also took part.
Restaurant owners expressed worry over profits that they said rely largely on outdoor dining capacity, especially as winter nears.
"Outdoor seating has been a lifeline for many of our restaurants. But, as we get closer to the colder months these businesses need a plan," said Sen. Lisa Boscola, (D) Lehigh and Northampton Counties, who added "we need to set policy by rolling up our sleeves and working together to put a real plan in place for our restaurant owners." Sen. Boscola also said the state cannot rely on the federal government alone to handle the issue.
John Nikoloff from ERG Partners represented The Pennsylvania Licensed Beverage and Tavern Association and said the average member makes the majority of their living off alcohol sales with alcohol accounting for around 63% of business. Under current state guidelines alcohol only can be served for on-premises consumption when in the same transaction as a meal.
"Obviously they need help and they need help now," said John Nikoloff. He suggested a number of ways the state could aid owners with legislation including proposing more state grants, forgiveness of license fees and surcharges, increasing wholesale price discounts, and increasing ability to retain income from games of chance in bars and taverns.
"We recognize this is not a partisan issue. We appreciate your caucus' support," said Nikoloff, who added he looked forward to working with lawmakers in moving proposals forward.
Watch the entire hearing as it was streamed on SenatorBoscola.com/Policy and the PA Senate Democratic Caucus Facebook page.
The owner of Stage Deli on George, meantime, said he remains hopeful despite the current health and safety restrictions still in place. He said his business relies a lot on take out, which helped his business immensely during this time. He said he has also been able to retain his staff.
"I think, like anybody else, I can say it's definitely impacted us a little bit. But, we really try to stay optimistic," said owner Darren Borodin.
A new hotel is being built blocks away from Stage Deli on George at North George Street in York. The restaurant also sits near the courthouse. Borodin hopes that will help his business continue to see profits in the coming weeks and months.
"The hotel opening up right around the corner should bring a lot of people in town. And, next week the jurors come back in town. So, that will create some excitement," he said.
As for the state's current guidelines, "I think they're doing everything they can with what they have control over. You know, as they feel comfortable with the health restrictions, I believe the restrictions or the restraints that we have on the businesses will continue to start to ease up as they have been," said Borodin. "I think hopefully we're towards the end of this and I think like I said we're optimistic about the future."