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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2019 - 2020
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | August 7, 2020 04:31 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Mike Jones |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Re-opening of public eating or drinking places to 50% capacity of indoor seating areas. |
| The COVID-19 virus crisis has caused many disruptions across the Commonwealth. Maybe none so much as the Governor’s directives to public eating and drinking establishments, and the constant changes and scrutiny they are subject to. As we have learned directly from the industry, for a restaurant or bar to only be permitted to open at 25% of their indoor seating capacity is counterproductive, as they are often unable to make a profit. Furthermore, for those of us near neighboring states, these restrictions put our businesses at a competitive disadvantage and may be counterproductive for residents who will simply cross the border to dine more freely. With so many residents of the Commonwealth working in the restaurant, social club, and bar industry, and experiencing enormous financial losses, I intend to introduce a bill that will allow these establishments to open at 50% of their indoor seating capacity, including their bar areas. My bill will require that this occur with the use of applicable CDC guidance. With so many of us hearing from establishment owners and employees in our districts who are on the verge of losing everything, if they have not lost it already, I hope you will join me in co-sponsoring this important piece of legislation. |
Introduced as HB2818