House Addresses Challenges Faced By Brookline Restaurants

Press release from the Committee to Elect Tommy Vitolo:

House Addresses Challenges Faced by Restaurants

Legislation grants temporary changes to restaurant service in response to COVID-19

June 3, 2020 – (BOSTON) – Representative Tommy Vitolo (D-Brookline) joined his colleagues today in a virtual Formal Session to pass legislation designed to help restaurants struggling under the COVID-19 pandemic response. H.4767, An Act addressing challenges faced by food and beverage establishments resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, makes a number of temporary changes designed to allow for safe restaurant operations and financial relief during the COVID-19 emergency.

“Restaurants in Brookline are the cultural and economic anchors of our commercial districts,” said Vitolo. “Helping restaurants continue to serve our communities for the remainder of this pandemic is good for employees, small business owners, and everyone who misses dining out.”

The legislation allows municipalities to temporarily modify licenses and permits, including liquor licenses, to allow for outdoor table service without the additional approval of slower moving state agencies. Additionally, restaurants will be allowed to sell mixed drinks in a sealed container for take-out or delivery, requiring that the customer store the purchased cocktail in the trunk or trunk-like area of the vehicle.

“This legislation recognizes that local government is best suited to tailor the outdoor operations of each restaurant in our business districts,” said Select Board Member Raul Fernandez. “If this bill is signed into law, the Select Board will carefully balance the evolving needs of local restaurants with the norms and expectations of other businesses, sidewalk users, and neighboring residents.”

The bill also seek to alleviate the financial burdens faced by restaurants. Third-party food service platforms, such as GrubHub and DoorDash, would be prohibited from charging exorbitant service fees to restaurants. It also grants some financial relief to restaurants by allowing for delayed payments of meals tax without penalty or interest.

Said Brookline Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Debbie Good Miller: “Restaurants are where we gather to communicate, celebrate, and enjoy delicious food. They are vital to the culture of our Town. Covid-19 restrictions have harshly impacted restaurant owners’ ability to keep their establishments open for business. The changes approved by the House of Representatives today will help restaurants weather the incredible challenges brought on by the coronavirus.”

The legislation now goes to the Senate for a vote. If passed and signed by the Governor, the bill would go into effect immediately.

This press release was produced by the Committee to Elect Tommy Vitolo. The views expressed here are the author's own.