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After a long period of businesses requiring their guests to provide proof of vaccination/negative COVID-19 test results upon entry, the wait is over and the City mandates have been lifted.
We are thrilled our members can resume business as normal. The lift of these mandates will finally let our restaurants and small family businesses enjoy a return to serving guests without hesitation. The reach of this milestone allows residents and visitors to no longer provide proof of full vaccination or a recent negative test to enter bars, restaurants, event spaces, and other businesses previously covered under the regulations. If you have any questions, please reach out to the LRA, and let us help guide you through the new changes.
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BRG Hospitality Management Competition, March 29 |
 LRA President & CEO Stan Harris prepares to present an update on COVID-19 to the New Orleans restaurant community at the Sheraton, in March of 2020. | Dear LRA Members, Two years have passed since March 16, 2020—that fateful day when Louisiana restaurants, hotels and bars had to shut down for onsite dining or beverage service in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We went from the joy of Mardi Gras to the first time in our lifetimes that government mandated we cease operating as usual. And while some could pivot to drive thru, delivery and curbside options, it didn’t provide the same guest experience. We were impacted by an endless number of phases of reopening, capacity limitations, and safety and sanitation measures, mask wearing, social distancing and persistent handwashing, a vaccine mandate in New Orleans for employees and patrons, |
that is still in effect today. Fortunately, Governor Edwards advised his almost 2-year state of emergency is being lifted.
It’s been a challenging 24 months, and, even now, as we’ve had several federal relief measures passed, and a successful Carnival Season across our state, there are some of our LRA members who are still taking the future of their business’s day to day, week to week, and others who have managed to adapt and begin to move beyond.
At the LRA, we continue to fight each day on your behalf – at the federal, state and local levels. It hasn’t been easy and we too are battle scarred but committed to the mission. We couldn’t let today pass without reflecting on what we’ve been through that was unimaginable, unprecedented, and that we are still here together, doing what is necessary to keep the doors open, the lights on and keep our teams employed. And then hoping that your guests would return.
There were many times we asked you to join our grassroots activation. Your engagement made a significant difference. These are some of the wins secured for the industry to remind you how far we’ve come:
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP): The LRA partnered with the NRA in the early days of the pandemic to advocate for industry relief on a federal level. Once the PPP was rolled out, the LRA pushed for an extension of the program timeline and a shift in the eligible forgivable expenditures, allowing restaurants to use their loans to cover more overhead costs. We partnered with the NRA once again to secure a second round of PPP loans, and advocated to include non-profit organizations in the funding (including the LRA).
PPP Loan Tax Forgiveness: the legislative intent of the COVID relief package was to provide a path to forgiveness. Congress intended that expenses paid for using PPP loans be tax deductible, but due to the legislation’s quick turnaround, did not include language to do so directly in statute. Working in concert with the NRA and Louisiana Congressman Steve Scalise, we were able to realize the legislative intent of forgiveness for our industry—saving restaurants hundreds of millions of dollars in what would have been unexpected tax liability.
Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC) Expansion: We expanded eligibility for this important tax credit so PPP recipients could also benefit, and we fought to increase the ERTC amount up to $26,000 per employee. The NRA and LRA continue to press for more timely payments which have been significantly delayed by the IRS.
Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF): After a year of working closely with the NRA and other industry partners, we helped secure $28.6 B as an industry-specific source of grant funding as part of the American Rescue Plan. We know that some LRA members were fortunate to receive these funds and others received less or none. With the NRA, the LRA continues to push for RRF Replenishment. Several of our members met with Senator John Kennedy on Monday of this week to explain their concerns and frustration.
Expanded Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL): This program was one of the first steps in providing fixed rate, extended term loans through the SBA with more expansive use and continued discussions on delaying the start of repayments.
As we move forward, the NRA and LRA are taking an “all of the above approach” to help restaurants, bars, caterers, and venues recover – our industry was the first to be closed during the pandemic, and it appears we will be the last to recover from it. And it has been a disparate impact across sectors of the industry with some in quick service or fast casual thriving, while full-service restaurants, in many cases, is still at reduced capacity, hours of operation or operating days.
From the earliest days of the pandemic when PPE and other supplies were unavailable, through the Open Safely guidelines we helped to craft, every member we engaged with thanked us for being there for them. And we’ve continued this work for the past two years. All of us at the LRA wish to thank you for your membership, your advocacy and your most importantly your resolve to save your business for your families, team members, and the communities you serve.
Sincerely,
Stan Harris
It’s been a challenging 24 months, and, even now, as we’ve had several federal relief measures passed, and a successful Carnival Season across our state, there are some of our LRA members who are still taking the future of their business’s day to day, week to week, and others who have managed to adapt and begin to move beyond.
At the LRA, we continue to fight each day on your behalf – at the federal, state and local levels. It hasn’t been easy and we too are battle scarred but committed to the mission. We couldn’t let today pass without reflecting on what we’ve been through that was unimaginable, unprecedented, and that we are still here together, doing what is necessary to keep the doors open, the lights on and keep our teams employed. And then hoping that your guests would return.
There were many times we asked you to join our grassroots activation. Your engagement made a significant difference. These are some of the wins secured for the industry to remind you how far we’ve come:
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP): The LRA partnered with the NRA in the early days of the pandemic to advocate for industry relief on a federal level. Once the PPP was rolled out, the LRA pushed for an extension of the program timeline and a shift in the eligible forgivable expenditures, allowing restaurants to use their loans to cover more overhead costs. We partnered with the NRA once again to secure a second round of PPP loans, and advocated to include non-profit organizations in the funding (including the LRA).
PPP Loan Tax Forgiveness: the legislative intent of the COVID relief package was to provide a path to forgiveness. Congress intended that expenses paid for using PPP loans be tax deductible, but due to the legislation’s quick turnaround, did not include language to do so directly in statute. Working in concert with the NRA and Louisiana Congressman Steve Scalise, we were able to realize the legislative intent of forgiveness for our industry—saving restaurants hundreds of millions of dollars in what would have been unexpected tax liability.
Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC) Expansion: We expanded eligibility for this important tax credit so PPP recipients could also benefit, and we fought to increase the ERTC amount up to $26,000 per employee. The NRA and LRA continue to press for more timely payments which have been significantly delayed by the IRS.
Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF): After a year of working closely with the NRA and other industry partners, we helped secure $28.6 B as an industry-specific source of grant funding as part of the American Rescue Plan. We know that some LRA members were fortunate to receive these funds and others received less or none. With the NRA, the LRA continues to push for RRF Replenishment. Several of our members met with Senator John Kennedy on Monday of this week to explain their concerns and frustration.
Expanded Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL): This program was one of the first steps in providing fixed rate, extended term loans through the SBA with more expansive use and continued discussions on delaying the start of repayments.
As we move forward, the NRA and LRA are taking an “all of the above approach” to help restaurants, bars, caterers, and venues recover – our industry was the first to be closed during the pandemic, and it appears we will be the last to recover from it. And it has been a disparate impact across sectors of the industry with some in quick service or fast casual thriving, while full-service restaurants, in many cases, is still at reduced capacity, hours of operation or operating days.
From the earliest days of the pandemic when PPE and other supplies were unavailable, through the Open Safely guidelines we helped to craft, every member we engaged with thanked us for being there for them. And we’ve continued this work for the past two years. All of us at the LRA wish to thank you for your membership, your advocacy and your most importantly your resolve to save your business for your families, team members, and the communities you serve.
Sincerely,
Stan Harris
Today, the SBA announced a deferment extension for future payments on COVID-related economic injury disaster loans (EIDL). This deferment extension of up to 30 months is effective for all EIDLs approved in 2020, 2021, and 2022. Before this announcement, the deferment allowance was 24 months from the original loan’s closing date.
Restaurants should be aware that:
Since 2020, the COVID EIDL program has provided more than $351 billion to 3.9 million borrowers. In September 2021, restaurants worked with the SBA to increase eligible EIDL amounts and allowable expenses, including debt financing.
Restaurants should be aware that:
- EIDLs now have a total deferment of 30 months from the date of the loan issuance, but interest continues to accrue during deferment.
- The EIDL interest rate for private businesses is 3.75% (2.75% for nonprofits) over 30 years.
- The SBA warns borrowers that deferments could result in “balloon” payments.
- Borrowers may make partial or full payments during the deferment period but are not required to. The SBA recommends using www.pay.gov.
- The SBA will not send monthly SBA Form 1201 payment notices, but the SBA will send regular payment reminders via email.
- After the deferment period ends, EIDL Borrowers will be required to make regular principal and interest payments beginning 30 months from the date of the loan issuance.
Since 2020, the COVID EIDL program has provided more than $351 billion to 3.9 million borrowers. In September 2021, restaurants worked with the SBA to increase eligible EIDL amounts and allowable expenses, including debt financing.
Atmos Energy’s SmartChoice Program is a great opportunity for Atmos customers to benefit from rebates using certain Energy Star rated efficient products.
Any restaurant that is an Atmos Energy customer that installs energy efficient equipment such as convection ovens, combination ovens, and high efficiency fryers among others are entitled to rebates in the form of a check from Atmos Energy. The appliances must be Energy Star rated or Food Service Technology Rated to qualify. There are also rebates available for installing smart thermostats and tankless water heaters as well.
Eligible equipment includes the likes of natural gas combination ovens, natural gas rotating rack ovens and a natural gas high efficiency charbroiler. Rebates can be upwards of $1,000.
Click here to be directed to their website where you will find a list of all eligible equipment and forms for the Louisiana SmartChoice Appliance Rebates.
Any restaurant that is an Atmos Energy customer that installs energy efficient equipment such as convection ovens, combination ovens, and high efficiency fryers among others are entitled to rebates in the form of a check from Atmos Energy. The appliances must be Energy Star rated or Food Service Technology Rated to qualify. There are also rebates available for installing smart thermostats and tankless water heaters as well.
Eligible equipment includes the likes of natural gas combination ovens, natural gas rotating rack ovens and a natural gas high efficiency charbroiler. Rebates can be upwards of $1,000.
Click here to be directed to their website where you will find a list of all eligible equipment and forms for the Louisiana SmartChoice Appliance Rebates.
Spring Open Enrollment
March 14 - 25, 2002
No Paperwork for Employer | Employee Paid | Affordable - $3.10 a day |
| | Whether you're a multi-unit restaurant or a smaller establishment, the Hospitality Health Plan (HHP) is a benefit you can offer your employees that enables them to access an affordable healthcare option. We know that staffing is a challenge in today's environment. That's why the LRA and Hub have partnered with Pan-American Benefits Solutions to offer you the HHP. |
Attention LRA Members in East Baton Rouge and Ascension Parishes,
We have been informed by the Louisiana Alcohol Tobacco Control (ATC) that a significant number of East Baton Rouge and Ascension permits were not renewed by the January 31, 2022, deadline. The ATC recently implemented a paperless renewal policy and transitioned on an online permitting system, thus, the ATC has extended its deadline to renew permits until March 15, 2022.
To renew your permit, obtain your online access code by calling the ATC at (225) 925-4041 or via email at ATC-Attorneys@atc.la.gov. (Please note the email address ends with @atc.la.gov).
In the interim, any business which holds a permit that expired on January 31, 2022, and has submitted a renewal to the ATC will be granted an extension through March 15, 2022, or until such time a decision has been made regarding your renewal application.
All wholesalers may continue to sell alcohol and tobacco products to their customers located in EBR and Ascension Parishes through March 15, 2022, unless otherwise notified. Businesses which have not applied for a renewal permit by that date will be cited immediately.
If you have any questions, please email us at communications@lra.org.
We have been informed by the Louisiana Alcohol Tobacco Control (ATC) that a significant number of East Baton Rouge and Ascension permits were not renewed by the January 31, 2022, deadline. The ATC recently implemented a paperless renewal policy and transitioned on an online permitting system, thus, the ATC has extended its deadline to renew permits until March 15, 2022.
To renew your permit, obtain your online access code by calling the ATC at (225) 925-4041 or via email at ATC-Attorneys@atc.la.gov. (Please note the email address ends with @atc.la.gov).
In the interim, any business which holds a permit that expired on January 31, 2022, and has submitted a renewal to the ATC will be granted an extension through March 15, 2022, or until such time a decision has been made regarding your renewal application.
All wholesalers may continue to sell alcohol and tobacco products to their customers located in EBR and Ascension Parishes through March 15, 2022, unless otherwise notified. Businesses which have not applied for a renewal permit by that date will be cited immediately.
If you have any questions, please email us at communications@lra.org.
The first weekend of Mardi Gras yielded reports that the City of New Orleans and the Louisiana Office of Alcohol & Tobacco Control (ATC), were active throughout the Metro area. To avoid citations, fines and possible license suspension, please review the following checklist to ensure compliance. Be sure to review with your staff the alcohol rules and regulations of which they are subject.
- Most important in Orleans Parish is that someone who holds a valid “Manager Permit” issued by the City of New Orleans must be on the premises during ALL hours of operation.
- This is the first item the City of New Orleans enforcement officials will verify if they visit your business.
- The person holding the "Manager's Permit" MUST remain on the premises at all times. (They can't leave to run and errand, run to the store for a minute, go next door, etc. They have to be on the premises. Owners, officers, etc. of a business are not required to hold a "Manager's Permit.")
- If an owner, officer, etc. is on the premises, then the presence of a person holding a "Manager's Permit" is not required.
- Employees can apply for a Manager's Permit with the City of New Orleans using the following link HERE
- Use the "Short Form." Complete the one-page Short Form, sign and have notarized. Once complete, signed and notarized, EMAIL the application with a COLOR COPY of the manager's driver's license or other government-issued identification and a copy of the manager's state Responsible Vendor Permit to: abo@nola.gov.
- Once processed and entered into the city's online system, the city will send the manager an email with instructions to pay the $105 permit fee. If you have yet to do this, please process your application ASAP. In anticipation of the city not being able to process some applications, please instruct your managers to keep copies of emails and receipts as proof that the application was submitted and payment was remitted.
- Make sure ALL of your employees are Responsible Vendor Certified or have a “bar card.” The LRA ServSafe Alcohol Online is available 24/7 for $9.95. Click here for ServSafe Alcohol.
- You are required to maintain Responsible Vendor Training records for all employees. We recommend you keep copies of each employee's RVP permit on file at your business location. Copies stored in one place and easily accessible for inspection by enforcement officials should they visit your business.
- You are required to provide enforcement officials with copies of alcohol purchase invoices for inspection. Keep invoices in an easily accessible location should an enforcement official request to inspect.
- Ensure all of alcohol, tax and occupancy permits & licenses are publicly posted.
- Underage sale of alcohol will be STRICTLY enforced. If your staff has a doubt, verify with their drivers license, government issued or military ID, or the LA WALLET app.
- Questions? Email communications@lra.org.
The industry's grassroots effort to include Replenishing the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (S.2675) into the government spending bill is approaching its 11th hour, as Congress has until Feb. 18 to come to a compromise. For thousands of Louisiana operators who applied for the RRF, but weren't funded, it is critical as they look towards a future. Without it, many will close the doors of their restaurants, laying to rest their life's work, livelihoods for themselves and those they employ.
This National effort has generated an outstanding response of over 45,000 letters to Congress. Louisiana has sent over 1,100 letters to Louisiana's Congressional members. If you have not contacted Congress to urge them to Replenish the Restaurant Revitalization Fund, DO NOT DELAY. Take Action here.
With Fat Tuesday only two weeks away, many restaurants are in the thick of a make-or-break moment. Our President and CEO Stan Harris spoke with Tommy Tucker on WWL First News about the reemergence of Mardi Gras festivities and what this year means for restaurants in the French Quarter, and around the city.
"That is 100% true especially for your full service or table service, not just fine dining," said Harris who said last year's loss of Mardi Gras parades and activities was financially devastating. "All of that was just hundred of millions of dollars of lost opportunity."
"That is 100% true especially for your full service or table service, not just fine dining," said Harris who said last year's loss of Mardi Gras parades and activities was financially devastating. "All of that was just hundred of millions of dollars of lost opportunity."
Lots of restaurants are continuing to operate on limited hours with a sized-down staff. Many operators have had higher than normal turnover rates in their restaurants, and keeping a staff seems to be a key factor in getting through the Mardi Gras season.
"That is going to really tell the tale of if restaurants can operate later in the day and expanding the days of the week that they operate."
"That is going to really tell the tale of if restaurants can operate later in the day and expanding the days of the week that they operate."
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