Senate Votes to Ease Wolf’s Restrictions on Restaurant Industry

(The following is a release from the office of state Sen. Bob Mensch.)

Yesterday, the Senate approved legislation that would ease Governor Wolf’s arbitrary and burdensome restrictions on owners of bars and restaurants, according to  Sen. Bob Mensch (R-24), who supported the bill.

House Bill 2513 would set the minimum capacity for restaurants and taverns at 50%, with the ability for increased capacity if their premises allows. The bill would also:

• Remove the ban on bar service;
• Eliminate the meal requirement to purchase alcohol; and
• Allow for event venues to operate at a minimum of 50 percent capacity.

The restaurant industry is the second-largest private industry in the country, with over 500,000 employees in Pennsylvania alone.

The Independent Fiscal Office has estimated that Pennsylvania’s foodservice industry lost over 134,000 workers this year. Additionally, the House Majority Policy Committee recently received testimony that under these restrictions, Pennsylvania can expect the permanent closing of 7,500 restaurants, resulting in the loss of 175,000 jobs.

The bill was amended in the Senate and now goes to the House for concurrence.

See also:

Stephens Bill To Help Small Restaurants Passes The Commerce Committee

Wolf Announces Restaurants May Increase Indoor Occupancy Starting September 21

Restaurateurs Rebuke State’s Pandemic Restrictions, Plead For Assistance

Liquor Control Board Clarifies New Restrictions Targeted At Restaurants, Bars And Breweries

Wolf: Congress Must Take Action To Help Restaurants