December 21st local time, the American Independent Restaurant Alliance said that Congress’s new epidemic relief bill failed to provide sufficient support and protection for independent restaurant and bar staff, while pointing out that the bill’s help to groups such as people of color are disproportionate.
“We have adjusted the way we do business as required by the government and government officials should in turn help us make ends meet,” said the Independent Restaurant Coalition.
Congress should understand that meal restrictions, the pandemic, and seasonality of the winter have created a huge employment crisis for the restaurant industry, especially those affecting single mothers, people of color, immigrants, people with detention experience and young people.
The paycheck protection program in the new bailout bill, while helpful, is still insufficient, the organization said.
Congress should separately legislate to support the American restaurant industry.
