Deasy, other House Democrats call on Wolf to waive restaurant fees

HARRISBURG, Oct. 16 – On Thursday, state Rep. Dan Deasy, D-Allegheny, along with other House Democrats, sent a letter to the Wolf administration, asking that they seriously consider waiving filing, surcharge and license fees paid by restaurants for the coming year. Deasy’s statement on the request is as follows:

“The Wolf administration took on a daunting task this year – tackling the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a job not many could accomplish, but one of which I personally can say has been handled adequately, Deasy said.

“There’s no easy answer or solution to meeting all Pennsylvanians’ needs during this trying time, but our governor has made it his personal goal to help as many people as possible. For that, I commend him and his administration.

“However, as Democratic chairman of the House Liquor Control Committee, it’s my duty to ask that we do more for our restaurants, specifically our ‘Mom and Pop’ establishments. The Wolf administration has loosened restrictions as of late, allowing these private, family-owned businesses to receive much-needed relief. But more needs to be done at the state and federal level as the winter months approach.

“Due to this, I’m asking the Wolf administration to consider waiving filing, surcharge and license fees paid by bars and restaurants for the coming year. This will alleviate much of the financial hardships the restaurant industry has faced in wake of COVID-19, and it will allow them to continue business operations this coming year.

“Hardworking, self-sufficient residents are the backbone of this great commonwealth. But, right now, they need help. They need your help, and it’s my hope that you can take this request into consideration, so that our hardworking family businesses can continue to prosper now, and once COVID-19 is far behind us,” Deasy said to the administration.