Gov. Wolf Details $145 Million Plan To Aid PA Restaurants, Bars

HARRISBURG, PA — Gov. Tom Wolf provided details Tuesday on the rollout of the state's $145 million plan to aid bars and restaurants severely impacted by the coronavirus outbreak.

Wolf proposed the assistance in December and the General Assembly last month approved the funding for the hospitality industry. Money will be given to the state's 67 counties based on their population, and grants ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 will be awarded to ailing establishments.

“For so many businesses in the hospitality industry, taking the necessary steps that keep employees and patrons safe directly hurts their bottom line," Wolf said in a news release.

"After all the hardships businesses have endured, and all of the work they have done to keep their communities safer, they need and deserve our help. The COVID-19 Hospitality Industry Recovery Program will provide immediate relief to these businesses and I urge them to apply as soon as the program opens in their county.”

To be eligible, a business must have a net worth of less than $15 million and fewer than 300 full-time equivalent employees. The bar or restaurant must have been in operation on Feb. 15, 2020, must be in operation currently and plan to be operating a year from the date of the grant application.

Priority will be given to applicants that were closed during Wolf's disaster declaration and that had a 50 percent or more reduction in gross receipts from last Match 31 through Dec. 31 compared to the same period in 2019.