Burns sponsors bill to waive liquor fees for businesses forced to close
Bill would help ease financial losses for local businesses
Rep. Frank Burns May 14, 2020 | 10:37 AM
EBENSBURG, May 14 – As someone who comes from a small business family and has continuously fought on behalf of local businesses, state Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, today announced his plans to introduce legislation that would help ease the financial burden felt by restaurants, taverns and social clubs during the COVID-19 crisis.
“Restaurants, taverns and social clubs have been among the hardest hit by statewide closure orders due to COVID-19,” Burns said. “These mom-and-pop businesses and nonprofit community clubs were forced to slash their operations overnight, closing dining rooms and bars, canceling everything except for take-out or delivery orders.
“I’ve also heard from some businesses in my district who fear they may never reopen, even when it is safe to do so. That is why I believe we need to help ease the financial losses these businesses have experienced over the last few months.”
Burns’ proposed legislation would waive the 2020 liquor license renewal, validation, and surcharge fees for all restaurant, eating place, hotel and club licensees. Those that have already paid their fees for 2020 would have the option of receiving a refund from the Liquor Control Board or a credit for their 2021 fees. All applicable license renewal or validation paperwork would still be filed as usual with the PLCB.
Burns noted the legislation already has bipartisan support among his colleagues in the House.
Since the start of the coronavirus crisis, Burns has tried to inject common sense into the state’s response to the virus and has fought for the taxpayers and businesses of Cambria County, including allowing curbside pick-up and delivery for all businesses. He lobbied successfully for Cambria County’s inclusion among the counties moving into the yellow phase and has repeatedly asked the administration for more details on how reopening decisions are made.