January 10, 2020 | Newsletter
Federal Stimulus Package Updates
PPP Paycheck Protection Program
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) re-starts; Save Our Stages grants coming soon


The third federal stimulus package passed on December 28 expanded the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The program will bring an additional $284 billion to non-profits and small businesses, including bars and restaurants that may not be eligible for “Save Our Stages” grants. (More on “Save Our Stages” below.) 
 
Smaller businesses that did not receive a PPP loan the first time around can begin to apply on Monday, January 11. 

Those that did receive one of the original loans can apply for a second PPP loan beginning on Wednesday, January 13, provided they meet eligibility requirements. 

For complete requirements see Title III of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 and the SBA’s interim final rule. SBA has also issued the following summary guidelines:
 

The NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) is offering free webinars to provide guidance for businesses interested in applying for PPP loans. Schedule and registration info is available here.
 
The Save Our Stages Act also passed as part of the third stimulus package. It includes $15 billion for grants of up to $10 million to qualified live venue operators and promoters, performing arts organizations, theatrical producers, talent representatives, movie theater operators, and non-profit museums that have auditoriums. To be eligible, all applicants must:
 
  • have been “fully operational” on February 29, 2020
  • be able to show at least 25% revenue loss in a quarter of 2020 compared to the same quarter of 2019, and 
  • be operating or intending to resume operations in the future. 
 
For complete requirements see Section 324 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. The National Independent Venue Association also has posted a helpful plain language FAQ.
 
Business Programs & Resources
Empire State Development Announces 'Raising The NYS Bar' Restaurant Recovery Fund
Empire State Development Announces 'Raising The NYS Bar' Restaurant Recovery Fund: Beginning 1/11

Empire State Development (ESD) recently announced a $3+ million Raising the NYS Bar Restaurant Recovery Fund to assist restaurants in New York State during the COVID-19 pandemic. 
 
Eligible restaurants can receive up to $5,000. Restaurants can apply beginning Monday, January 11, 2021. 
NYC Commercial Lease Assistance Program
NYC Commercial Lease Assistance Program 
 
If your business needs help with a commercial lease issue in New York City, you may be eligible for FREE legal services through the Commercial Lease Assistance Program to help with:

  • Signing a new commercial lease
  • Amending, renewing, or terminating an existing commercial lease
  • Addressing a commercial lease-related issue

If you need COVID-19-related legal assistance, the City Bar Justice Center is operating a COVID-19 Small Business Remote Legal Clinic that offers pro-bono legal consultations. 

Learn more here: nyc.gov/commlease
Save the Date: Upcoming Town Calls
The Office of Nightlife is hosting virtual Town Calls for nightlife businesses and workers to get answers to questions about the new stimulus package and what new resources are available.

Town Call for Hospitality Businesses
Thursday, January 21 from 1:00-2:30pm
Register: bit.ly/janbusinesstowncall

Town Call for Hospitality Workers 
Friday, January 22 from 1:00-2:30pm
Register: bit.ly/workertowncall
We will convene a Town Call about Save Our Stages (aka Shuttered Venues) grants for live venue operators or promoters, theatrical producers, live performing arts organization operators, operators of non-profit museums that have auditoriums, movie theater operators, and talent representatives. Please stay tuned for details.
ONL News
NY Post: ‘Dollars over lives’: Inside NYC’s defiant COVID-19 party scene

NY Post: ‘Dollars over lives’: Inside NYC’s defiant COVID-19 party scene

Senior Executive Director Ariel Palitz speaks about high-risk illicit gatherings in a recent NY Post story:
 
“We’re speaking with many within the industry who strongly oppose underground parties at this moment because these events put lives at risk and delay the return of a thriving nightlife scene.” 
 
COVID Safety Information

Indoor and outdoor gatherings at private residences are limited to no more than 10 people under NY State Executive Order 202.74. Social distancing, face covering, and cleaning and disinfecting protocols are required by the NYS Department of Health. 

New York State COVID Zone restrictions are in effect in certain parts of each borough.
Find your zone and see what restrictions may apply, visit: nyc.gov/covidzone

REMINDER: All bars, restaurants, gyms, or fitness centers, as well as any establishment licensed by the State Liquor Authority are required to close from 10PM up to 5 AM daily statewide. Restaurants are still allowed to provide curbside pick-up or delivery after 10:00pm. *(Serving alcohol to go is prohibited after 10:00pm).

For more details See NY State guidance Here | NY SLA FAQs: 10PM Closing Time 
ONL 2020 Year-in-Review

After one of the most challenging years we can remember, we want to acknowledge how we have been weathering this storm together. Thanks to your determination, creative problem-solving and advocacy, the Office of Nightlife has been able to achieve several accomplishments toward our recovery. 
NYC Programs
NYC Restaurant Week To Go: Beginning 1/25
NYC Restaurant Week To Go: Beginning 1/25 
 
NYC & Company has announced a special winter iteration of their signature NYC Restaurant Week® program, NYC Restaurant Week To Go, to support local restaurants offering takeout and delivery. 

All eateries across the five boroughs are invited to participate in this weeklong program, free of charge, that will take place January 25–31, with an optional extension February 1–7. 

NYC & Company is encouraging submissions from a broad spectrum of eateries—from fine dining to casual—that can provide a value-oriented lunch and/or dinner entrée with at least one side for the price of $20.21 to commemorate the new year. 

Restaurants: Further details on program specifics as well as the submission form can be found here. 
(Registration closes this Monday, January 11)

Diners: Sign Up here.
 
NYMMEP Calendar Sign Up: Beginning 1/11
NYMMEP Calendar Sign Up: Beginning 1/11
 
The Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment is launching New York Music Month Extended Play (NYMMEP), a virtual edition that will run from January 11 through June 2021. We encourage you to add your virtual events to the NYMMEP calendar of music events in NYC. Listing is free. MOME promotes NYMMEP through digital ads, advertising, press releases, and social media. 
 
Worker & Community Resources 
Mixed Earner Unemployment Compensation program
 
New Yorkers may be eligible for an extra $100 per week through the Mixed Earner Unemployment Compensation program (MEUC). 
 
MEUC benefits are provided for individuals who earned at least $5,000 a year in self-employment income but are disqualified from receiving more substantial Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) benefits because they may be eligible for traditional state unemployment insurance. 
 
The NYS Department of Labor, which is administering the program, is currently awaiting additional guidance from the federal government on implementation details. The Department of Labor will provide more details as they become available. 

Learn more: www.labor.ny.gov
 
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