Labor and Policy: Page 32
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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 -
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 -
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 Julie Littman • May 27, 2020 -
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 -
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 Julie Littman • 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 -
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 -
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 -
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 Julie Littman • Updated May 21, 2020 -
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 Emma Liem Beckett • May 11, 2020 -
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 , Emma Liem Beckett • May 6, 2020 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 Julie Littman • April 30, 2020 -
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 Julie Littman • April 30, 2020 -
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 Julie Littman • April 29, 2020