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Partner Relief & Regional Updates 4/9

April 9, 2020
Each and every day, RAMW is working on additional financial measures to help the industry, your operations, and your employees.
 
In addition to the ongoing discussions with elected officials locally, regionally and nationally about relief measures, fixes and additional funding, I have also been working with our partners at Events DC to discuss supplemental support during this very uncertain time.  Earlier today, Events DC, Washington DC’s official convention and sports authority, announced an $18 million hospitality and tourism relief package to address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, a portion of which will be allocated to restaurant industry-specific needs.
 
This package is designed to provide emergency funding to help DC’s local hospitality and tourism industry that is in dire need of immediate support.  Specific to our industry, this funding will come in the form of supplemental dollars and resources for restaurants, hotels and undocumented workers in DC, rooted in operator and worker support, marketing recovery and supplemental programming assistance on top of the annual partnership agreement we have in place with Events DC.  The funding will include dollars for strategic marketing programming, which will in turn be free to operators to participate in, that will be critically needed for the recovery of our industry as we play a role to help recharge the local economy.
 
This is all wonderful news, but guidance and details are still forthcoming.  As soon as we are clear on how this can translate to direct support to each of you, we will share as RAMW will be managing and administering these microgrants and worker relief resources to best streamline the process.  In regard to undocumented workers, funds appropriated for that specific part will be managed outside of what RAMW will receive and administer.
 
Our guidance has always been to leverage any and all relief that is available to offer resources in big and small ways.  As so many of you have had to adapt to 100% take out and delivery models, we understand the added pressure and demand that puts on you as an operator.  Our friends at Revel, a local electric moped rideshare company, are offering a service that may help you as you maximize delivery business.  They are partnering with DC-based restaurants in their service area to offer free mopeds to restaurants for 4 weeks to help fulfill your delivery demand.  
 
Click here to learn about their Washington DC Restaurant Partnership, or contact Todd  McDonald, General Manager, for more information.
 
VA ABC Mixed Beverage Rules & Regulations
Yesterday, VA Governor Northam directed the ABC to allow restaurants with a mixed beverage license to serve mixed beverages with take-out/delivery orders. This will be effective Friday, April 10th. VA issued further clarification on this Order.
 
  • An establishment that holds a mixed beverage license, or limited mixed beverage license is limited to the sale of four cocktails for each delivery or take out sale. Each order for delivery or takeout of cocktails must include a meal for every two cocktails purchased. The drinks must be packaged in a glass, paper or plastic container (or similar disposable container) or in a single original metal can with a secure lid or cap designed to prevent consumption without removal of the lid or cap.  All recipients of delivery orders must be at least 21 years of age.
Delay of DC Tax Filing
Sales taxes for March, normally due  April 20, should be filed WITHOUT payment on the regular date. Payment may be deferred until July 20, 2020 without penalty.
We will continue to find ways to support our industry through these trying times. Stay tuned for more information on relief measures.
 
Be safe, be kind.
Best,
Kathy