COVID-19
Federal – The U.S. Senate and U.S. House approved legislation to extend the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) for an additional five weeks. The program was poised to shutdown July 1 with over $130 billion remaining in the fund. The Senate returns July 20 and will likely continue work on more long-term and comprehensive changes to the broader program. More details.
Reopening – Many states are pulling back on reopening as outbreaks spike. Of note, California, Texas, Arizona and New Jersey along with major metros like New York City, Miami and Los Angeles. Look for local leaders – mayors and county councils – to be the most aggressive in limiting food and beverage operations. More details.
Liability– The Culinary Workers Union’s local chapter in Las Vegas filed a federal lawsuit against three major casinos claiming they weren’t doing enough to protect their workers from COVID-19 exposure.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Wages
Albuquerque, NM – A proposal to enact a “premium pay” requirement was voted down in the city council 7-2.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Paid Leave
California – The senate voted to expand the state’s paid family leave program to cover companies with five or more employees. The current law only covers companies with 50 or more employees.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
New York – The governor issued an executive order negating COVID-19 sick leave benefits if a worker voluntarily travels to a high risk state.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Albuquerque, NM – The city council withdrew a paid sick leave proposal that would have required employers to provide full-time workers up to 80 hours of “public health emergency paid leave” through Dec. 31, and give a comparable benefit to part-time workers.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Washington, DC – The city’s chief financial officer found that the city has ample financial resources to fund the city’s paid leave program and certified that it will begin July 1.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Labor Policy
Joint Employer – A federal judge granted an industry coalition’s motion to intervene Monday to defend the Labor Department’s new joint employer standard.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Delivery
New Jersey – The governor signed legislation capping delivery fees by third-party platforms at 20 percent and at 10 percent for restaurants that self-perform.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Philadelphia, PA – The city council unanimously passed a COVID-related restaurant relief package that caps third-party delivery fees at 15% and eases restrictions on outside dining.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Alcohol
Colorado – The governor extended his executive order an additional 30 days allowing for the continued off-premise and delivery sales of alcohol.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Georgia – The state house overwhelmingly approved legislation which would allow beer, wine, and liquor delivery from restaurants, bars, convenience stores and grocery stores.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Iowa – The governor signed legislation to permanently allow cocktails-to-go as well as delivery.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Michigan – The governor signed legislation to permit cocktails for pickup or delivery from bars and restaurants through 2025.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Tennessee – The governor extended his COVID-19 emergency declaration until August 29. Part of that order allows for temporary sales of to-go alcohol as well as delivery.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Texas – The governor approved a waiver allowing restaurants and bars to serve mixed drinks to-go and for delivery, according to the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC).To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe