PRLA Restaurant & Lodging Matters Summer 2020

24 •  PENNSYLVANIA RESTAURANT & LODGING matters  •  Summer 2020 LEGISLATIVE CORNER STATE LOCAL State Items FEDERAL REOPENING PENNSYLVANIA On July 1, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled that the Pennsylvania Legislature does not have the power to overturn Gov. Wolf’s emergency declaration. On July 1, the Secretary of Health signed a new order requiring masks in all public spaces. As of July 3, all Pennsylvania counties were officially in the green phase of reopening; however, Allegheny and Philadelphia counties are currently under local guidelines that are more stringent that the state’s guidelines. On July 15, Gov. Wolf announced targeted mitigation directed at the restaurant industry. Among other things, the new order reduces occupancy to 25%, requires the purchase of a meal to consume alcohol, prohibits bar seating indoors and outdoors, and requires patrons to be seated to receive service. The new orders are reflected in the Governor’s Restaurant Industry Guidance. Restaurants continue to be subject to additional restriction as we see case counts increase in various counties across the state. It is now more important than every that the hospitality industry ensures all employees and guests wear masks, have proper social distancing and use barriers where social distancing is not achievable. BILLS INTRODUCED AND ON-THE-MOVE The State Legislative Budget & Finance Committee released its report on the impact of banning plastic bags or assessing usage fees. Essentially, the Committee recommended waiting on taking any further action until Pennsylvania has recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic. HB 2615 (Stephens—R, Montgomery), which would create a $250 million grant program for restaurants, was filed in late June. Since this grant program is created via legislation, it will need to go through the legislative process before the money is accessible. To Be Introduced (Rader—R, Monroe), would create a $15 million grant program for Destination Marketing Organizations. Similar to the Stephens bill, this is created via legislation and will need to move through the legislative process upon its introduction. SB 1089 (Ward J.—R, Blair): Would repeal the required testing of frozen desserts. SB 1125 (Martin—R, Lancaster): Allows School Districts to delay school tax payments for the school year beginning July 1, 2020. It is up to each individual school district if they choose to do so. HB 2200 (Gaydos—R, Allegheny): Would allow for Association Health Plans (AHP’s). PRLA will continue to work on moving this legislation over the summer. SB 1194 (Stefano—R, Fayette): Would provide COVID-19 liability protection to businesses that meet state standards. PRLA and other business association’s will be actively pushing this legislation over the coming weeks. COCKTAILS-TO-GO Operators offering cocktails-to-go were required to obtain a transaction scan device by July 20. If you start selling cocktails- to-go after July 20, you need to obtain a scan device prior to making any sales.