Labor and Policy: Page 32


  • Need and eligibility keys to avoiding PPP loan liability risk

    Document what goes into your decision to apply for a loan to protect yourself and your company if you're hit with an audit or lawsuit, an attorney says. 

    By Robert Freedman • May 27, 2020
  • A closed restaurant in Dublin City Centre during the novel coronavirus pandemic in 2020.
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    "The Image" by Cityswift is licensed under CC BY 2.0
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    French insurer ordered to pay restaurant's coronavirus disruption claim

    The ruling requires insurance company AXA to pay two months' worth a restaurant company's revenue losses due to the COVID-19 outbreak, results that could have implications for the U.S. market as well. 

    By Alicia Kelso • May 27, 2020
  • A bar that is closed during the novel coronavirus pandemic in 2020
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    "The Image" by spurekar is licensed under CC BY 2.0
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    NYC mayor signs COVID-19 relief bill providing help for restaurants

    The package includes caps on third-party delivery fees, prohibition on charges for calls that don't result in an order and a suspension of sidewalk cafe fees through Feb. 28.

    By May 27, 2020
  • A Bob Evans restaurant limits dine-in capacity to five people as it reopens during the novel coronavirus pandemic in 2020.
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    Keck, Dan. (2020). "The Image" [Photograph]. Retrieved from Flickr.
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    CDC outlines restaurant reopening guidelines

    The agency recommends a three-phase reopening plan to slowly resume operations in bars and dining rooms. 

    By Ryan Golden • May 22, 2020
  • Illinois judge denies McDonald's motion to dismiss workers' coronavirus lawsuit

    Two workers testified on Thursday at a preliminary injunction hearing that the fast food chain didn't provide enough safety information and employees often worked close together despite the pandemic. 

    By Alicia Kelso • Updated June 5, 2020
  • United States $100 bills
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    "Money" by Ervins Strauhmanis is licensed under CC BY 2.0
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    75% of small businesses sought PPP aid, Census Bureau finds

    About 38% of the survey's 22,000 respondents said they've received loan money — and the coronavirus' impact appeared disproportionately felt in the Northeast and Great Lakes.

    By Dan Ennis • May 19, 2020
  • McDonald's faces criticism for sexual harassment issues in international markets

    Labor organizations from around the globe filed a joint complaint Monday against the chain, alleging patterns of rampant harassment and gender-based violence.

    By Alicia Kelso • May 19, 2020
  • New CEO to take helm at National Restaurant Association

    Effective June 1, Tom Bené, a former Sysco and PepsiCo exec, will lead the organization during one of the most difficult times the industry has ever faced. 

    By May 18, 2020
  • IRS allows employers to claim tax credit for paying furloughed employees' health premiums

    The employee retention credit is one of a few financial options available to employers during the pandemic, and could benefit chains like The Cheesecake Factory, Shake Shack and Chuy's.

    By Ryan Golden • May 14, 2020
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    The image by MIKI Yoshihito is licensed under CC BY 2.0
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    Washington no longer requires dine-in customers to provide contact information

    Gov. Jay Inslee revised his earlier requirement on Friday for restaurants to collect dine-in customer information, saying it would be voluntary for patrons.

    By Alicia Kelso • Updated May 19, 2020
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    Fotolia
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    IRS: Business expenses not deductible under PPP loans

    The chairs of the House and Senate tax-writing committees are expected to challenge the IRS' interpretation of the program to help small businesses survive the pandemic.  

    By Robert Freedman • May 13, 2020
  • A North Carolina restaurant offers to-go only during the coronavirus pandemic in 2020.
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    "The Image" by Breawycker is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
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    Illinois restaurants allowed to reopen with outdoor seating

    Gov. J.B. Pritzker said Wednesday that restaurants can open with outdoor seating only during Phase 3, which could start as soon as the end of May, and will be welcome news for restaurants that pushed to reopen sooner. 

    By Updated May 21, 2020
  • Capitol Hill
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    The image by Андрей Бобровский is licensed under CC BY 3.0
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    24 attorneys general push for PPP changes

    The requested changes echo demands from the Independent Restaurant Coalition and National Restaurant Association, which argue that the loan program's requirements aren't designed with restaurants in mind.

    By May 11, 2020
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    Fotolia
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    Restaurateur charged with fraud over PPP loan application

    David Staveley claimed he had dozens of employees at three restaurants. He only owned two, and neither was open when the coronavirus pandemic hit, the Justice Department found.

    By Dan Ennis • May 7, 2020
  • Famous Dave's parent secures $13M PPP loan

    After new restrictions on lending were put in place for public companies, BBQ Holdings remained eligible because it is considered a nano-cap business, with a capitalization below $50 million. 

    By Alicia Kelso • May 6, 2020
  • McDonald's gives 10% bonus to employees working in company-owned stores

    In addition to the bonus pay for working amid the pandemic, an internal memo obtained by Business Insider said franchisees should offer an emergency relief fund. 

    By Thai Phi Le , May 6, 2020
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    DoorDash
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    DoorDash partners with Pennsylvania AG to extend financial, childcare benefits

    Expanded benefits include financial assistance for Dashers who have tested positive for COVID-19 and for top Dashers who have primary childcare responsibilities for children whose schools and daycares have closed.

    By Alicia Kelso • May 5, 2020
  • A bar that is closed during the novel coronavirus pandemic in 2020
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    "The Image" by spurekar is licensed under CC BY 2.0
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    Restaurants call on insurers to pay business interruption claims

    Lawmakers and lawyers are getting involved as insurers say COVID-19 isn't covered, while Main Street businesses say they're counting on the proceeds to keep them afloat.  

    By Robert Freedman • May 5, 2020
  • Closed sign outside of a small business during the coronavirus pandemic of 2020.
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    Alabama Extension. (2020). "The image" [Photograph]. Retrieved from Flickr.
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    75% payroll rule makes PPP loans useless, business owners say

    Small business owners need help with operational costs, which the government's program fails to cover without risking loan forgiveness.

    By Robert Freedman • May 4, 2020
  • Whataburger to settle allegations that manager was told to hire only white applicants

    Employers cannot rely on customer or client preferences that are discriminatory as the basis for negative employment actions, the EEOC has said.

    By Lisa Burden • May 4, 2020
  • A restaurant asks customers to maintain social distancing during the novel coronavirus pandemic in 2020.
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    "The Image" by Valereee is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
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    Nearly 50% of Texas restaurants don't want to reopen yet, study shows

    Governor Greg Abbot allowed restaurants to reopen at 25% capacity on Friday, but a Texas Restaurant Association poll found that concerns about rehiring and restocking inventory are keeping operators on the sidelines. 

    By Lauren Manning • May 4, 2020
  • " Creative Commons Ballston COSI" by Ben Schumin is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported (added to CMS 2/25/20)
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    "Ballston COSI" by Ben Schumin is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0
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    Cosi sues SBA for barring it from PPP funding

    The chain argues that the Paycheck Protection Program is a lifeline needed to maintain its business and it shouldn't have been restricted from the loans based on its February bankruptcy

    By Alicia Kelso • April 30, 2020
  • Chili's to open 300 dining rooms by this weekend

    The company has set up a new strategy that will seat customers two tables apart in states that are easing social distancing restrictions. 

    By April 30, 2020
  • A sign hanging on a door at a New York City pizza shop during the coronavirus pandemic in 2020.
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    "The Image" by spurkar is licensed under CC BY 2.0
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    5 practices restaurants can use to keep customers safe

    Operators should maintain social distancing standards, retool their menus and communicate with their guests about what is being done to minimize exposure when dining room closures lift.

    By April 30, 2020
  • Closed sign outside of a small business during the coronavirus pandemic of 2020.
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    Alabama Extension. (2020). "The image" [Photograph]. Retrieved from Flickr.
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    Georgia restaurateurs push back against reopening

    Operators of over 120 restaurants in Atlanta and Savannah, Georgia, have pledged to keeping their dining rooms closed despite the governor's go-ahead.

    By April 29, 2020