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District of Columbia Resource Guide

The following is a list of resources and vital information related the District of Columbia Coronavirus Response Efforts as related to your DC based restaurant. This list of resource links will continue to be updated with new information as it becomes available.
In DC, the Restaurant Bridge Fund application is NOW LIVE through Monday, December 28, 2020 at 5:00 PM/ET. Click here to apply. The Restaurant Bridge Fund aims to provide competitive grants to eligible restaurant and food services establishments that have experienced significant economic distress due to the COVID-19 public health emergency and made plans to respond and adapt to these challenging circumstances. The funds will support general operational expenses (rent/mortgage/docking expense, payroll, insurance, fuel for mobile vendors, and/or utilities), and expenses incurred related to winterization or COVID-19 preparation. The Restaurant Fund will award at least 700 grants for eligible businesses with consideration to economic distress, business viability, length of revenue generating operations, and District resident employment. Click here to learn more about eligibility. Click here to apply.
The Small Business Resiliency Fund will provide $3 million in emergency operational funding and will be open to small, local businesses in the District of Columbia with 50 or fewer employees and independently owned restaurants without regard to employee-size.
- Streatery Winter Ready Guide
- Mayor Bowser Announces Partnership with Ace Hardware and The Home Depot to Secure Winterization Equipment for Outdoor Dining - October 30, 2020
- Patio Heater Vendors - October 22, 2020
- Winter Tent and Portable Heater Permitting Step-By-Step Guide - October 7, 2020
- JBG Smith Outdoor Dining Winterization Guide - October 2020
- If you already hold a permit for outdoor dining, you can begin service, but are requested to still register to notify DDOT and ABRA of service. Register here.
- If you are interested in expanding to public or private space you complete Phase One Registration using this link for both public and private space use. (I know we are no longer in Phase One but the registration is still referred to as “Phase One Registration”.)
- For additional seating of private space, you only need to show an agreement to use the space and complete Phase One Registration.
- For additional seating on public space, within 5 days you must submit the Temporary Sidewalk Table Service permit to DDOT through TOPS by clicking here.
- If you don't already have a TOPS account with DDOT you will need to create one to apply for the public space permit.
- Click here for more information from DDOT and ABRA about registering for outdoor dining.
- DDOT Reimagining Outdoor Space Presentation and Guidelines - August 2020
- Mayor's Order 2021-004 - January 11, 2021
- Mayor Bowser to the Small Business Community on Stimulus Funding - January 4, 2020
- Mayor's Order 2020-126 - December 16, 2020
- DC RESILIENCY Grant Application - October 6, 2020
- Mayor Bowser Launches $3 Million Small Business Resiliency Fund - October 5, 2020
- Mayor Bowser Announces Phase Two Live Entertainment Pilot - September 25, 2020
- Mayor’s Order 2020-081: Requirement to Self-Quarantine After Non-Essential Travel During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency - July 24, 2020
- Mayor’s Order 2020-080: Wearing of Masks in the District of Columbia To Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 - July 22, 2020
- Mayor’s Order 2020-079: Extensions of Public Emergency and Public Health Emergency and Delegations of Authority Authorized During COVID-19 - July 22, 2020
- Bill 23-965: Displaced Workers Right to Reinstatement and Retention Amendment Act of 2020 - December 15, 2020
- COVID-19 Safe Operating Guidance - October 21, 2020
- Phase Two Guidance Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19): Guidance for Restaurants - August 20, 2020
- ABRA Emergency Rulemaking Providing Additional Relief for Restaurants - August 10, 2020
- ABRA Phase II Guidance - June 22, 2020
- ABC-Licensed Beer, Wine and Spirits Carry-Out and Delivery FAQ
- DC Council Passes Additional Relief for Restaurants - May 5, 2020
- DC Emergency Legislation Passed -- Recap - April 7, 2020
- DC Updates - Small Retailer Tax Credit, Commerical Landlord Mortage Relief, & More - April 3, 2020
- ABRA Renewal Deadlines Extended - April 1, 2020
- Increasing Safety Protocols - Visual Resources to Share with On-Premise Employees - March 31, 2020
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COVID-19 Response Emergency Legislation Recap - March 21, 2020
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COVID-19 Response Emergency Amendment Act of 2020 (Full legislation text) - March 17, 2020
Private Events
As you continue to find new ways to reimagine your businesses models, we have received many questions regarding private events and how space may be utilized in safe and compliant ways. As of August 11th, in DC, as set forth by ABRA in their rulemaking, for indoor dining events with seated patrons, alcohol licensed establishments are limited to no more than fifty percent (50%) of the lowest indoor occupancy load or seating capacity on its certificate of occupancy, excluding employees and outdoor seating. There cannot be a standing component to the event, and all guests must be seated.
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Apply for Unemployment Compensation in DC Note: When employees file, they should be putting “COVID-19” as the reasoning. If denied, employees should file an appeal.
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DC residents can now enroll in private health insurance even though open enrollment is over. As part of DC Health Link's response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, they are offering a special enrollment period to allow those who are uninsured to enroll in private health insurance now. Enroll here. You can also apply for Medicaid at any time.
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RAMW Education Foundation Partners with Hook Hall Helps to establish Workers Relief Fund