Pennsylvania's restaurants have sacrificed enough. Now the industry itself is being sacrificed. | My Turn

Since day one of the COVID-19 crisis, our industry— which includes taverns, restaurants, clubs, and brew pubs— has been the tip of the spear in the fight against this contagious virus.  

In March we were asked to do our part to slow the spread and we agreed to limit services to take-out. Then in July, we were asked again to play a role. This time there was a need to keep the virus in check so that children could go back to school. Again, the industry did its part by reducing capacity. 

What started out as two weeks to flatten the curve has turned into endless mitigation orders that not only is destroying our industry, but also seems counter-productive as the public turns to unsafe house parties and private gatherings for their entertainment and social needs.  

Throughout this pandemic, our industry has been asked by the government to sacrifice. With little help from our government, now our businesses and employees feel like we are being sacrificed. 

A poll of small business taverns and licensed restaurants that the Pennsylvania Licensed Beverage and Tavern Association conducted in August indicated that only 30 percent of our industry will survive if this crisis continues deep into 2021. Already, a large number of taverns and restaurants are already closed. 

That same poll indicated that 81% of our employees have either been laid off in the past or were laid off at the time of the poll. 

Yes, we are grateful that the state has decided to waive licensing fees for 2021. And, we’re happy that we can sell mixed drinks to go during the pandemic. 

However, that doesn’t come close to paying our mounting bills. While we’ve been ordered to operate at 25 or 50 % occupancy, our bills are still 100 percedue. 

Throughout the years, these businesses and their staffs have supported local little leagues, scouting, school clubs and teams, veterans, and many others in their communities. But now we are the ones in need of help. 

For those in the public who still enjoy dining in a tavern or restaurant, please be sure to follow all the guidance. Where a mask and don’t get upset at staff when they request that you wear one. Everyone in the industry wants to keep you safe, and they’ll do so by following CDC guidance. 

For the public who might be avoiding indoor dining, they too can help the industry survive by ordering take-out, purchasing of gift cards, and generously tipping staff. Consider dedicating one night a week to ordering take-out. 

And, for state and federal government officials, it’s time to finalize an industry bailout.  

Chuck Moran is the Executive Director, Pennsylvania Licensed Beverage and Tavern Association. The Pennsylvania Licensed Beverage and Tavern Association is a statewide association based in Harrisburg, representing small business taverns and licensed restaurants in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The Association formed in 1941, reorganized in 2019, and today advocates for best practices and rights within the industry as well as best experiences for patrons.