Business & Tech
Coronavirus: Restrictions Eased To Aid Alexandria Businesses
As state order requires 10 or less customers in restaurants, the city made changes as businesses focus on curbside and delivery service.
ALEXANDRIA, VA — The City of Alexandria is suspending enforcement of some regulations to aid local businesses during the new coronavirus outbreak. The changes took effect on March 19 and continue until further notice.
All restaurants are now allowed to provide pick-up and delivery service, while off-premises alcohol sales and delivery can happen with the appropriate Virginia ABC licensing. Restaurants as well as retail establishments may vend on adjacent sidewalks or parking lots.
Delivery drivers and customers must continue to follow posted parking requirements. The city has suspended enforcement of parking restrictions for residential street sweeping as well as the 72-hour rule, but other posted parking restrictions continue.
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The city is also suspending enforcement of restrictions on operating hours for restaurants, convenience stores, catering businesses and gas stations.
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Other assistance for businesses was announced at Gov. Ralph Northam's Thursday press conference. On Thursday, the U.S. Small Business Administration approved an Economic Injury Disaster Loan declaration for Virginia, allowing small businesses and nonprofits to apply for low-interest federal disaster loans of up to $2 million. These loans can help businesses and nonprofits to play fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other expenses. More information is available at disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/.
Secretary of Finance Aubrey Layne announced that businesses can request extensions for February sales tax payment, which is due on March 20. If approved, businesses could file their returns by April 20 with a waiver of penalties.
Restaurants have been refocusing efforts on pick-up and delivery due to Northam's public health emergency order banning more than 10 customers in restaurants, fitness centers and theaters. Violation of the order is considered a criminal offense. Visit Alexandria has a web resource detailing how restaurants and other local businesses are serving customers during the new coronavirus outbreak.
LATEST: Virginia Coronavirus Updates: What To Know For Week Of March 15
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