DC Curfew, Election Results and Virginia Updates

We are all watching and many are participating as protests continue in DC, across our country, and in cities worldwide over the tragic death of George Floyd and systemic racism and inequity in this country. As some protests continue to result in destruction of property, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser announced that tonight (6/3) curfew will begin at 11pm and remain in place through 6am tomorrow morning (6/4). The Mayor noted that the curfew will be revisited daily as needed with consideration for public safety, so be mindful this may impact weekend operations. The city urges everyone to close down businesses a few hours before curfew to allow the City to do what it needs to do to prepare for potential activities in the evening. 

For DC businesses seeking assistance on boarding up windows and doors, DCRA will assist free of charge in supplying plywood and 2x4s for boarding up/fortification efforts to business owners and/or its contractors who are unable to find needed supplies and can provide assistance in finding an available contractor. To request assistance or report damage, please email: dcra@dc.gov. In the subject line, please identify “Supply or Contractor Assistance” or “Damage Report” to ensure a prompt response. Disregard the automatic return email suggesting a 3-day turnaround, as vandalism-related requests during this period will be handled as an emergency request.

The unofficial election results are in DC, and while it is likely to be at least three weeks before the Board of Elections certifies the results as mail-in ballots have not been fully counted, we can share what the unofficial vote tallies and winners look like. 

At large: Councilmember Robert White

Ward 2: Brooke Pinto (27.71%) narrowly leads Patrick Kennedy (26.39%) with Jack Evans only accumulating 3.78% of the vote 

Ward 4: Janeese Lewis George (54.14%) leads Councilmember Brandon Todd (43.62%) 

Ward 7: Councilmember Vincent Gray

Ward 8: Councilmember Trayon White 

There are two major changes to the Council that we should note. Ward 2 will now be represented by a new Councilmember, however the winner is likely too close to call in this race as absentee mail in ballots have not been counted yet. Ward 4 Councilmember Brandon Todd and great friend of the restaurant operator and worker community is significantly trailing behind opponent Janeese Lewis George. This is an upset for our industry as George ran on a pro tip credit elimination platform and was supported by ROC. 

The DC Government is providing free PPE care packages to support businesses during Phase One. Packages are only available while supplies last and include masks, hand sanitizer and liquid cleaning concentrate. Your local BID and Main Street organizations are facilitating the distribution. You must register ahead of time (click here to register), and can only pick up from your distribution zone (distribution map found here).  

In Virginia, Governor Northam announced that most of Virginia will move to Phase 2 on Friday, June 5th with the exception of Northern Virginia and Richmond. We don't know when Northern Virginia will enter Phase 2, but it could potentially be as early as mid next week. Phase 2 Guidelines were also released. Click here for the full Phase 2 Reopen Guidelines document. 

The two major changes in Phase 2 are:

• INDOOR DINING IS ALLOWED at 50% capacity while still maintaining a minimum of six feet of physical distancing between all individuals
• All parties, whether seated together or across multiple tables, must be limited to 50 patrons or less.

In closing, our partners at the National Restaurant Association are surveying restaurants nationwide to identify existing and new relationships with elected officials at the federal and state levels. Click here to take the quick survey.

Please email coronavirus@ramw.org if you have any questions. 

Be safe. Be kind. 

Best, 

Kathy