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Restaurants Reopening
- New guest vaccine requirement coming in King County
- Free PPE for King County restaurant workers
- Your voice matters: what’s on tap with new alcohol sales and service rules
- New small business loan program now accepting applications
- DOH: Guidance for Non-Health Care Businesses and Organizations during COVID-19, 7.2.21
- Washington is open for business!
- [Toolkit] Back to work
- Employee Retention Credit w/Rick Braa
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- DOH: Guidance for Non-Health Care Businesses and Organizations during COVID-19, 7.2.21
- L&I: Protecting High-Risk Employees from Discrimination During Public Health Emergencies, June 2021
- L&I: Requirements and Guidance for Preventing COVID-19, 6.30.21
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- Washington will follow federal vaccine requirements for employers
- New federal vaccine mandate rules for large employers
- New guest vaccine requirement coming in King County
- Workforce shortages in other industries may have a direct impact on hospitality
- [Legal memo] Issues to consider regarding mandatory coronavirus vaccine policies
- CDC and FDA resources for restaurants
- Tips for cleaning POS equipment
- Coronavirus safety: Add supply receiving and other back-of-house protocols
- Creating QR codes is an easy and free way to reach restaurant customers
- [Templates] Letters to recall employees
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- UPDATE: State and local mandates coming to an end
- Update on OSHA vaccine mandate
- Workplace outbreak resources and new CDC isolation recommendations
- King County announces it will step up vaccine policy enforcement efforts
- Washington will follow federal vaccine requirements for employers
- New federal vaccine mandate rules for large employers
- New laws protecting high-risk employees during public health emergencies
- [Legal memo] Issues to consider regarding mandatory coronavirus vaccine policies
- CDC and FDA resources for restaurants
- Current Employment Law FAQs for Hospitality Employers Videos
- [Legal guidance] 5-step action plan for handling anti-mask guests
- Workplace Safety - FAQ
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- UPDATE: State and local mandates coming to an end
- CDC issues new masking recommendations
- [Webinar Recap] Masks and Social Distancing
- Stay Safe WA Downloadable Resources
- Stay Safe Washington Campaign
- [L&I] Requirements for workers who cannot wear masks
- Statement on statewide face covering order expansion, 7.25.20
- [Updated] Overview of COVID-19 Statewide Face Covering Requirements, 7.20.20
- [Flyer] Updated mask compliance for customers
- [Legal guidance] 5-step action plan for handling anti-mask guests
- [L&I] Common questions regarding worker face covering, mask requirements
- Printable face covering poster
- Issues related to employees wearing masks
- L&I's guidance on what masks to wear
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- UPDATE: State and local mandates coming to an end
- Workplace outbreak resources and new CDC isolation recommendations
- King County announces it will step up vaccine policy enforcement efforts
- New federal vaccine mandate rules for large employers
- New guest vaccine requirement coming in King County
- Vaccine verification requirements developing in King County
- Tacoma-Pierce County Health offers free Coronavirus home testing kits for hospitality businesses.
- What distinguishes flu from coronavirus?
- Videos - Ready for Winter: Coronavirus or Flu?
- How to find mental health services in your area
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Lodging Resources
- FAQ: What to do if your employee has COVID-19
- New guest vaccine requirement coming in King County
- New small business loan program now accepting applications
- Eviction moratorium ends for lodging operators
- Washington is open for business!
- Tell lawmakers to pass the Save Hotel Jobs Act
- [Toolkit] Back to work
- AHLA Safe Stay Guidelines (Updated 3.26.21)
- The Lodging Security Toolkit is here
- CDC: Forgo Daily Guestroom Cleaning Unless Requested (9.17.20)
- AHLA: New hotel-specific online training course for cleaning and safety during pandemic (9.2.20)
- GSA: 2021 per diem rates for government travel (8.14.20)
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Relief Packages
- Current relief programs
- $2 million in grants now available for small businesses impacted by vaccine verification requirements
- New small business loan program now accepting applications
- Restaurant Revitalization Toolkit: What you need to know to get ready to apply for these tax-free grants
- What you need to know about the Restaurant Revitalization Fund
- Business loan program temporary changes; Paycheck Protection Program
- [WIN] $240M in business relief, tax relief signed into law
- [Win!] Coronavirus relief bill passes; Gov. to sign next
- Business tax relief in response to new coronavirus guidance
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- [Toolkit] Restaurant Revitalization Fund
- [Toolkit] Got debt? How to strategically use coronavirus loans and your lender for business recovery
- [Venue operators] Shuttered Venue Operator Grant application portal reopens on Sat., April 24
- You now have more time to apply for PPP forgivable loans
- Good EIDL news continues - $500,000 is new loan limit
- No payments until 2022 for EIDL - and it’s not too late to apply
- Employee Retention Tax Credit, National Restaurant Association, 3.3.21
- RESTAURANT Act Bill Moves Forward
- Shuttered Venue Operators (SVO) Grant Guidance Released
- Congress unveils $900 billion relief bill, 12.21.20
- Videos - Rick Braa Insights on the PPP and EIDL
- GSA: 2021 per diem rates for government travel (8.14.20)
- [Proposed details] Federal Senate Healthcare Economic Assistance Liability Protection and Schools (HEALS) Act, 7.28.20
- [Calculator] Paycheck Protection Program loan forgiveness estimator, Paychex
- Trump Signs New Law Relaxing PPP Rules: What You Need To Know, 6.5.20 (FORBES)
- [PPP] Updated loan forgiveness rules, 6.23.20
- [PPP] New EZ and revised full forgiveness applications for the Paycheck Protection Program, 6.18.20
- [EIDL] New grants and loans for small businesses, 6.16.20
- Banks to start offering Main Street Lending Program loans, 6.16.20
- New and revised guidance regarding Paycheck Protection Program, 6.12.20
- [PPP] Loan's 60% cliff concern resolved, 6.15.20
- [PPP] Loan maturity now 5 years, 6.10.20
- Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act - Rules, guidance are coming, 6.8.20
- Relief is coming: Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act moves forward, 6.4.20
- [PPP] New interim final rules allow some loan flexibility, 5.22.20
- [PPP] U.S. Small Business Administration shows you how to calculate forgiveness, 5.15.20
- SBA and Treasury release Paycheck Protection Program loan forgiveness application, 5.15.20
- Get your documents in order: Coronavirus relief requires accurate records, 4.6.20
- Grace period to comply with federal sick leave act ends April 17
- Coronavirus emergency loans small business guide and checklist - U.S. Chamber of Commerce - 3.30.20
- Federal Paid Sick Leave provisions Q&A
- The Small Business Owner’s Guide to the CARES Act (by the U.S. Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship) 3.30.20
- Webinar Replay: Coronavirus Resources: An Overview of the CARES Act
- [Q&A] Internal Revenue Service (IRS) filing and payment deadlines
- Small business relief: Federal loans
- U.S. Small Business Administration guidance and loan resources
- IRS Coronavirus tax relief
- U.S. Small Business Administration disaster assistance now available to all Washington small businesses economically impacted by coronavirus
- Payment Deadline Extended to July 15, 2020 - Filing Deadline Remains April 15
- Applications for federal funds for Small Business Administration (SBA) emergency loans now available
- Show all articles ( 25 ) Collapse Articles
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- Videos - PPP Loan Forgiveness with the SBA
- [Toolkit] Got debt? How to strategically use coronavirus loans and your lender for business recovery
- You now have more time to apply for PPP forgivable loans
- Second draw & reactivation of PPP loans: Applications now open, 1.11.21
- Additional PPP Guidance Released, 8.4.20
- [Proposed details] Federal Senate Healthcare Economic Assistance Liability Protection and Schools (HEALS) Act, 7.28.20
- Apply today: Paycheck Protection Program still has funding available
- Apply for a Paycheck Protection Program loan by Aug. 8
- PPP loan period extended to Aug. 8, 2020
- [Calculator] Paycheck Protection Program loan forgiveness estimator, Paychex
- Trump Signs New Law Relaxing PPP Rules: What You Need To Know, 6.5.20 (FORBES)
- [PPP] Updated loan forgiveness rules, 6.23.20
- [PPP] New EZ and revised full forgiveness applications for the Paycheck Protection Program, 6.18.20
- New and revised guidance regarding Paycheck Protection Program, 6.12.20
- [PPP] Loan's 60% cliff concern resolved, 6.15.20
- [PPP] Loan maturity now 5 years, 6.10.20
- Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act - Rules, guidance are coming, 6.8.20
- Relief is coming: Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act moves forward, 6.4.20
- [PPP] New interim final rules allow some loan flexibility, 5.22.20
- [PPP] U.S. Small Business Administration shows you how to calculate forgiveness, 5.15.20
- SBA and Treasury release Paycheck Protection Program loan forgiveness application, 5.15.20
- [FAQ] Paycheck Protection Program, U.S. Small Business Administration, 5.13.20
- [Paycheck Protection Program] Loan forgiveness update, 5.4.20
- [Paycheck Protection Program] How to calculate maximum loan amounts by business type, U.S. Small Business Administration, 4.24.20
- [Paycheck Protection Program] Temporary changes to disbursements, U.S. Small Business Administration, 4.30.20
- [Paycheck Protection Program] Additional criteria for seasonal employers, U.S. Small Business Administration, 4.30.20
- Additional federal relief funding is coming, 4.24.20
- [Q&A] Paycheck Protection Program, Washington Hospitality Association, 4.23.20
- Payroll Protection Plan: Loan forgiveness simplified, 4.22.20
- How to calculate PPP loan forgiveness, Washington Trust Bank, 4.22.20
- PPP Fact Sheet for borrowers (U.S. Dept of Treasury)
- April 7 webinar recap -- PPP loan forgiveness question and answers
- Paycheck Protection Program information sheet for borrowers, U.S. Department of the Treasury, 4.1.20
- Show all articles ( 18 ) Collapse Articles
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- Avoid being overtaxed for your property this year
- $2 million in grants now available for small businesses impacted by vaccine verification requirements
- [Department of Labor] Furloughed employees must resume jobs if offered or lose benefits
- [Q&A with IRS] Deferral of employment tax deposits and payments (CARES Act), 4.13.20
- [FAQ] Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) for restaurants, 3.31.20
- Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) summary for lodging 3.27.20
- Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) summary for restaurants 3.26.20
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- [Proposed details] Federal Senate Healthcare Economic Assistance Liability Protection and Schools (HEALS) Act, 7.28.20
- Banks to start offering Main Street Lending Program loans, 6.16.20
- [Main Street Lending Program] Federal Reserve Board announces it is expanding the scope and eligibility, 4.30.20
- Main Street Lending Program announced - More details coming after April 16
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- Tacoma Launches Low-Interest ‘Resurgence Business Loans’
- Tacoma Pierce County Health offers some extensions, refunds or waives late fees
- Thurston County Extends Food Establishment Permit Expiration Dates by Six Months
- Pierce County approves $10,000 grants for 'Main Street' businesses
- WIN! Pierce County Creates $7.5 Million Program to Help Restaurants
- Pierce County has financial assistance available for small businesses
- Tacoma Pierce County Grants for Small Business Open Sept. 9
- Pierce County Council expands support to help more local businesses, 8.7.20
- $10 million in grant funding available to Spokane County small businesses
- New grant opportunities for Pierce County businesses
- Seattle Caps Third Party Delivery Fees by Vendors at 15%
- Just expanded: Pierce County Emergency Small Business Relief Loan Program
- City of Spokane launches small business loan program
- Utility bill deferrals for Spokane’s small businesses affected by pandemic response
- Seattle City Council passes commercial rent control
- Puget Sound Energy Offers Relief Options for Businesses
- Property tax payment deadlines extended in some counties
- City of Spokane and Avista matching donations for low-income family utility needs
- Thurston County extends property tax deadline
- Spokane County extends property tax deadline
- King County postpones property tax deadline
- City of Tacoma offers coronavirus stabilization loans to Tacoma’s small businesses
- Seattle Public Utilities Temporarily Halts Food Packaging and Bag Enforcement
- King and Pierce County Public Health Departments Allows Some Fee Extensions for Retail Food Establishments
- Seattle: Keep Workers Healthy and Safe Fund is now live
- Tri-County Economic Development District (Colville, WA) offers loan deferments
- City of Spokane announces moratorium on evictions and foreclosures
- City of Seattle's Office of Economic Development has been allocated $1.5 million to help qualifying small businesses. These businesses must be located within Seattle and have five employees or less, among other criteria. Businesses may receive grants up to $10,000.
- Is there grant money available for businesses in Spokane that can help with rent, wages, etc?
- City of Tacoma defers B&O taxes
- Seattle Relief Packages
- Show all articles ( 16 ) Collapse Articles
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- New small business loan program now accepting applications
- Hotel, motel license fee payments delayed until July 30, 2021
- Liquor license fees delayed until March 2022
- [WIN] $240M in business relief, tax relief signed into law
- Governor announces $100 million plan for business support, unemployment insurance rate reduction
- L&I extends relief for workers' comp payments due to pandemic, 7.29.20
- Inslee announces funding for rent assistance, small businesses and nonprofits, 6.30.20
- 6/5/20 SharedWork Webinar Resources
- Commerce awards first 500 Working Washington small business relief grants in 20 counties
- Governor extends ratepayer assistance and DOR, LCB relief from payments, fees until May 31, 2020
- L&I now offering a grace period for premium payments, 4.8.20
- WA small businesses: Apply for up to $10,000 in emergency funding
- Department of Revenue offers extensions on tax filings and certain late fees
- Governor announces relief measures for small business
- Governor’s Office compiled resources to support economic retention and recovery related to COVID-19
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Employee Support
- Free PPE for King County restaurant workers
- Complimentary PPE Pop-up Events – Kent & Seattle
- Attention Bellevue and Renton: Restaurant complimentary PPE program
- WA restaurant employees eligible for vaccines March 31
- Up-to-date Unemployment Insurance resources
- [L&I] Requirements for workers who cannot wear masks
- [Q&A] Families First Coronavirus Response Act
- How to find out if you're a victim of ESD fraud
- [Department of Labor] Furloughed employees must resume jobs if offered or lose benefits
- Five steps to expanded benefits (ESD graphic)
- Coronavirus CARES Act Flow Chart (Worker Relief)
- Some wage garnishments, interest temporarily suspended through May 14
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- Up-to-date Unemployment Insurance resources
- Employment Security Department begins processing eligible $300 payments Sept. 21
- Employment Security Department posts new resources
- Five steps to expanded benefits (ESD graphic)
- [Flow Chart] WA employee benefit eligibility in the coronavirus outbreak, 4.7.20
- COVID-19 Unemployment Benefits Application Checklist
- Coronavirus & Hospitality Webinar: Questions and Answers with the Employment Security Department (ESD)
- SharedWork and other resources from the Employment Security Department
- Here’s your primer on the Employment Security Department
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- FAQ: What to do if your employee has COVID-19
- Families First Coronavirus Response Act - U.S. Department of Labor implementing regulations
- Seattle Office of Labor Standards Paid Sick & Safe Time COVID Q&A
- Seattle Office of Labor Standards Paid Sick & Safe Time COVID Q&A
- [Flow Chart] WA employee benefit eligibility in the coronavirus outbreak, 4.7.20
- Grace period to comply with federal sick leave act ends April 17
- Federal Paid Sick Leave provisions Q&A
- Federal paid sick leave starts April 1, 2020
- [Q&A] Federal Families First Coronavirus Response Act, 3.25.20
- Wading through what to do with state and local paid sick leave
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Latest News & Misc. FAQ
- UPDATE: State and local mandates coming to an end
- Update on OSHA vaccine mandate
- Workplace outbreak resources and new CDC isolation recommendations
- King County vaccine mandate: Resources for your business
- Toolkit — Vaccine and mask options (and requirements) for your business
- King County announces it will step up vaccine policy enforcement efforts
- Washington will follow federal vaccine requirements for employers
- UPDATE: Minor employees can temporarily work back-of-house in 21+ establishments
- New guest vaccine requirement coming in King County
- Vaccine verification requirements developing in King County
- New laws protecting high-risk employees during public health emergencies
- CDC issues new masking recommendations
- Current Guidance and Requirements
- Workforce shortages in other industries may have a direct impact on hospitality
- Your voice matters: what’s on tap with new alcohol sales and service rules
- How to find mental health services in your area
- New small business loan program now accepting applications
- Employers revisiting teen workforce to address labor shortage
- L&I requirements and guidelines as of June 30
- Recruiting like a marketer in a post coronavirus labor landscape
- Culture and staff engagement
- [Toolkit] Back to work--Update!
- Eviction moratorium ends for lodging operators
- Washington is open for business!
- Innovating around the labor shortage: applications
- Job search requirements, other changes coming for unemployment recipients
- Clock is ticking on PPP forgiveness
- Inslee asks for border reopening. Could a vaccine tourism boom follow?
- [Recap] Lodging State of the Industry highlights lessons learned, importance of unity
- [Toolkit] Back to work
- Governor’s office releases new mask and vaccine guidance
- King County health officer issues a directive to keep wearing facemasks
- Shot for shot, pints for pokes now legal in Washington
- Fully vaccinated weddings, funerals and events: New guidelines
- [Toolkit] Restaurant Revitalization Fund: Update and next steps
- PPP funding has run out for most borrowers
- Restaurant Revitalization Fund Update: What to Expect Next
- New vaccinated-only sections allowed for spectator events
- How 100% dining deduction helps us all, and what’s in new IRS guidance
- Some pandemic restrictions on employers loosened
- 12-month payment plans available for 2020 property taxes
- King Co. restaurant mask distribution--more counties coming soon!
- What you need to know about the Restaurant Revitalization Fund
- Information about COVID-19 Vaccines for People who Are Pregnant, Breastfeeding or planning to become pregnant
- Biden signs $28.6B Restaurant Revitalization Fund
- Business loan program temporary changes; Paycheck Protection Program
- Employee Retention Credit w/Rick Braa
- Rick Braa on PPP and the Employee Retention Credit
- What you need to know about CO2 monitors
- [Webinar] Oregon Restaurant and Lodging Association discuss foreclosure, eviction moratorium
- Dine-Out (DO) Washington: Digital Take-Out Dining Guide
- [Win!] Courts rule in favor of policyholders for business loss claims.
- [Rick Braa] Working Washington Small Business Grants -- Not first-come, first-serve!
- Washington state adopting new CDC quarantine guidelines.
- Legislators from all four caucuses pledge urgent relief for Washington's hospitality industry in the 2021 legislation session
- New Restaurant Restrictions: we’re taking action
- Inslee announces cap on third-party delivery fees
- New restrictions on restaurants and businesses announced; relief packages in development
- [Webinar Recap] Free testing locations
- Health department flow chart for coronavirus testing, quarantine
- [Rick Braa] What to do with PPP loans once you receive them?
- [Rick Braa] PPP rules surrounding owner income and when to apply for tax forgiveness
- [Rick Braa] PPP Forgiveness
- [Rick Braa] PPP coverage periods -- how they work and what you need to know
- 2021 minimum wage rate increases
- [Rick Braa] Essential Strategic Decisions
- Rick Braa on Delivery and pickup service
- Pierce County Mobile Testing Unit
- How to find mental health services in your area
- $10 million in grant funding available to Spokane County small businesses
- Read the letter from association CEO Anthony Anton regarding coronavirus
- Show all articles ( 56 ) Collapse Articles
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- Washington Hospitality CEO Podcast - Hunting for workers amid labor shortages 7/7/21
- [Toolkit] Restaurant Revitalization Fund
- Clock is ticking on PPP forgiveness
- Inslee asks for border reopening. Could a vaccine tourism boom follow?
- More money is needed in the Restaurant Revitalization Fund
- [Venue operators] Shuttered Venue Operator Grant application portal reopens on Sat., April 24
- Good EIDL news continues - $500,000 is new loan limit
- RESTAURANT Act Bill Moves Forward
- [Win!] Coronavirus relief bill passes; Gov. to sign next
- Tacoma-Pierce County Health offers free Coronavirus home testing kits for hospitality businesses.
- Struggling with music licensing fees? Reach out to your provider
- Tacoma Launches Low-Interest ‘Resurgence Business Loans’
- Shuttered Venue Operators (SVO) Grant Guidance Released
- Tacoma Pierce County Health offers some extensions, refunds or waives late fees
- Thurston County Extends Food Establishment Permit Expiration Dates by Six Months
- Check your third-party delivery invoices
- Pierce County approves $10,000 grants for 'Main Street' businesses
- [Webinar Recap] Masks and Social Distancing
- Property tax due at the end of October
- SeaTac Increases 2021 Minimum Wage to $16.57 an Hour
- WIN! Pierce County Creates $7.5 Million Program to Help Restaurants
- Unemployment Insurance tax rate increases
- CDC: Forgo Daily Guestroom Cleaning Unless Requested (9.17.20)
- Tacoma Pierce County Grants for Small Business Open Sept. 9
- Employment Security Department begins processing eligible $300 payments Sept. 21
- GSA: 2021 per diem rates for government travel (8.14.20)
- How to encourage customers to mask up
- Webinar: Group Purchasing Program
- Employment Security Department posts new resources
- Inslee announces Washington’s coronavirus recovery plan, 4.21.20
- Washington Hospitality Association - Business Insurance Webinar
- Washington Hospitality Weekly 3/19/20:
- Coronavirus updates for King County members
- Show all articles ( 18 ) Collapse Articles
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- Anthony's Top 3 Daily Links - 4/13/20
- Anthony's Top 3 Daily Links - 4/10/20
- Anthony's Top 3 Daily Links - 4/9/20
- Anthony's Top 3 Daily Links - 4/8/20
- Anthony's Top 3 Daily Links - 4/7/20
- Anthony's Top 3 Daily Links - 4/6/20
- Anthony’s Top 3 Daily Links – 4/3/20
- Anthony's Top 3 Daily Links - 4/1/20
- Anthony's Top 3 Daily Links - 3/31/20
- Anthony's Top 3 Daily Links - 3/30/20
- Anthony's Top 3 Daily Links - 3/27/20
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- Vaccine verification requirements developing in King County
- Tacoma-Pierce County Health offers free Coronavirus home testing kits for hospitality businesses.
- Tacoma Launches Low-Interest ‘Resurgence Business Loans’
- Tacoma Pierce County Health offers some extensions, refunds or waives late fees
- Thurston County Extends Food Establishment Permit Expiration Dates by Six Months
- Pierce County approves $10,000 grants for 'Main Street' businesses
- Contact tracing in King County
- Property tax due at the end of October
- SeaTac Increases 2021 Minimum Wage to $16.57 an Hour
- [WIN] Snohomish County Board of Health Rethinks Fee Increase
- WIN! Pierce County Creates $7.5 Million Program to Help Restaurants
- 2021 minimum wage rate increases
- $10 million in grant funding available to Spokane County small businesses
- Free PPE for Spokane County small businesses
- Seattle City Council Passes Hazard Pay Fees for Third-Party Delivery Drivers During Pandemic
- Spokane County property tax deadline extended to Aug. 1
- Spokane County small businesses will soon have access to free PPE
- Spokane City Council paves easier path to sidewalk cafés and streateries
- Spokane launches county-wide financial help hotline
- How You Can Help: Restaurants Supporting Medical Responders
- Seattle: Keep Workers Healthy and Safe Fund is now live
- City of Spokane announces moratorium on evictions and foreclosures
- Update: March 23, 2020
- Spokane COVID-19 Business Resources
- Greater Spokane COVID-19 Updates
- Show all articles ( 10 ) Collapse Articles
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Declarations/Executive Orders
- Timeline of state coronavirus closures and restrictions
- Washington will follow federal vaccine requirements for employers
- New guest vaccine requirement coming in King County
- Vaccine verification requirements developing in King County
- Washingtonians required to start masking up indoors Aug. 23
- Some pandemic restrictions on employers loosened
- AG Ferguson issues new guidance for third-party delivery companies
- Governor announces $135 million stimulus package
- Inslee announces cap on third-party delivery fees
- New restrictions on restaurants and businesses announced; relief packages in development
- Health department flow chart for coronavirus testing, quarantine
- Eviction moratorium extended to the end of the year
- [Federal Guidelines] Opening Up America Again, 4.16.20
- Washington State Coronavirus Response Page
- State ordered closures
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- Washingtonians required to start masking up indoors Aug. 23
- WA restaurant employees eligible for vaccines March 31
- Governor announces $100 million plan for business support, unemployment insurance rate reduction
- GSA: 2021 per diem rates for government travel (8.14.20)
- COVID-19 is on a path to runaway growth in Washington state, 7.17.20
- Inslee extends eviction moratorium, 6.2.20
- Washington, Oregon and California announce Western States pact, 4.13.20
- Gov. Inslee extends WA school closure through end of school year
- Help medical professionals and first responders get personal protective equipment
- Inslee letter to Trump requests federal major disaster declaration
- Inslee statement on potential national emergency declaration, 3.13.20
- Declarations FAQ
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- King County vaccine mandate: Resources for your business
- New guest vaccine requirement coming in King County
- Vaccine verification requirements developing in King County
- King County health officer issues a directive to keep wearing facemasks
- Spokane County Assessor’s Office delays notices to property owners
- Spokane City Council paves easier path to sidewalk cafés and streateries
- King County Public Health Cloth Face Covering Directive
- Seattle Executive Order to Extend Moratorium on Residential, Non-Profit and Small Business Evictions
- Seattle Third Party Delivery Cap Emergency Order
- Seattle Paid Sick & Safe Time Emergency Rule
- Seattle King County Public Health Quarantine Directive and Isolation Order
- City of Spokane announces moratorium on evictions and foreclosures
- Update: March 23, 2020
- Coronavirus updates for King County members
- Seattle Mayoral Moratorium on Small Business Tenant Evictions
- Seattle King County Public Health Local Health Officer Order
- Seattle Mayoral Proclamation of Civil Emergency
- Snohomish County has issued a restriction on events with fewer than 250 attendees
- Seattle and King county have additionally prohibited gatherings of 249 persons or fewer, unless precautions are met
- Thurston County issues ban on large gatherings of 250+ people
- Spokane Regional Health District has banned all events and gatherings of more than 250 people for the next 30 days
- Seattle and King County ordered closures
- King County Local Health Officer order
- Show all articles ( 8 ) Collapse Articles
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- Washingtonians required to start masking up indoors Aug. 23
- Some pandemic restrictions on employers loosened
- Memo on high-risk worker proclamation, 7.29.20
- [Official memo] Safe Start Changes, 7.28.20
- Statement on statewide face covering order expansion, 7.25.20
- Inslee extends Safe Start proclamation, eviction moratorium, 7.24.20
- Inslee announces rollbacks to some activities to slow COVID-19 exposure, 7.23.20
- Inslee extends proclamations related to COVID-19 (including SharedWork), 7.16.20
- [Governor's Blog] Inslee announces steps to address COVID-19 spread, 7.16.20
- Inslee announces steps to address COVID-19 spread, 7.16.20
- How to encourage customers to mask up
- Governor's Amended Proclamation To Safe Start Plan
- Secretary of Health Order on Statewide Face Coverings
- Inslee announces statewide mask mandate, 6.23.20
- Inslee extends 23 proclamations relating to coronavirus, 6.18.20
- Inslee announces contact tracing initiative, 5.12.20
- [Who is approved?] Faster reopening for smaller, coronavirus-free counties
- Governor extends ratepayer assistance and DOR, LCB relief from payments, fees until May 31, 2020
- Governor extends 12 proclamations until May 31
- Inslee announces easing of outdoor restrictions, 4.27.20
- Golf courses: Ready, set, reopen May 5 - How to prepare
- Inslee expands eviction moratorium, adds protections for residential, some commercial tenants - 4.16.20
- Governor issues order to protect high-risk employees, 4.13.20
- Protecting high-risk employees: Workers’ rights, 4.13.20
- Temporary moratorium: Garnishments and accrual of interest, 4.14.20
- Gov. Inslee extends WA school closure through end of school year
- Inslee extends Stay Home, Stay Healthy Order through May 4, 4.2.20
- Governor extends stay-home order through May 4
- Inslee on statewide shutdown of restaurants, bars, gatherings to protect against coronavirus, 3.15.20
- Inslee announces statewide school closures, expansion of limits on large gatherings, 3.13.20
- Inslee issues emergency proclamation that limits large events to minimize public health risk during coronavirus, 3.11.20
- Inslee issues coronavirus emergency proclamation, 2.29.20
- Stay at Home, Stay Healthy Order March 23, 2020
- Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers defined
- Gov. Inslee: Stay Home, Stay Healthy -- for at least two weeks
- Governor’s complete statement
- Gov. Inslee’s full press conference with King County Executive Dow Constantine
- Show all articles ( 22 ) Collapse Articles
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Health Dept/Virus Info
- UPDATE: State and local mandates coming to an end
- Update on OSHA vaccine mandate
- Toolkit — Vaccine and mask options (and requirements) for your business
- WA restaurant employees eligible for vaccines March 31
- What you need to know about CO2 monitors
- Washington state adopting new CDC quarantine guidelines.
- [Webinar Recap] Free testing locations
- Contact tracing in King County
- [Webinar recap] Best practices for employee coronavirus screening?
- What distinguishes flu from coronavirus?
- Health department flow chart for coronavirus testing, quarantine
- Pierce County Mobile Testing Unit
- New CDC interim guidelines for essential services workers who may have been exposed to the coronavirus
- Social distancing is critical to containing the spread
- Coronavirus Fact Sheets
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- Workplace outbreak resources and new CDC isolation recommendations
- Toolkit — Vaccine and mask options (and requirements) for your business
- CDC issues new masking recommendations
- Secretary of Health Order on Statewide Face Coverings
- DOH, DOR guidelines for selling grocery and pantry items during the Stay Home, Stay Healthy Order
- Washington State Department of Health issues specific guidance for food workers and establishments
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Liquor Control Board
- Renting out your kitchen space can be a big money maker
- UPDATE: Minor employees can temporarily work back-of-house in 21+ establishments
- Restaurants: What to do with your leftover beer
- What delivering spirits, beer and wine really means for your business
- LCB -- temporary expansion of curbside liquor service to accompany 'to-go' food sales
- Returns of Alcohol Product
- Beer/Wine delivery rules (LCB guidance)
- Liquor and Cannabis Board: Help for Licensees During COVID-19 Restrictions
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Operations & Best Practices
- FAQ: What to do if your employee has COVID-19
- Update on OSHA vaccine mandate
- Workplace outbreak resources and new CDC isolation recommendations
- King County vaccine mandate: Resources for your business
- Toolkit — Vaccine and mask options (and requirements) for your business
- Renting out your kitchen space can be a big money maker
- CEO Podcast: CEO's State of the Industry & Creating a great culture with special guest Chris Jensen
- Free PPE for King County restaurant workers
- Employers revisiting teen workforce to address labor shortage
- DOH: Guidance for Non-Health Care Businesses and Organizations during COVID-19, 7.2.21
- Eviction moratorium ends for lodging operators
- [Toolkit] Back to work
- Employee Retention Credit w/Rick Braa
- Dine-Out (DO) Washington: Digital Take-Out Dining Guide
- [Webinar Recap] Masks and Social Distancing
- [Webinar recap] Best practices for employee coronavirus screening?
- [Rick Braa] PPP coverage periods -- how they work and what you need to know
- [Rick Braa] Essential Strategic Decisions
- [Rick Braa] Outsource non-operations
- Rick Braa on Delivery and pickup service
- [Rick Braa] Fundamental Routines
- [Rick Braa]Plan and Forecast
- [Rick Braa]Engineer your business
- [Rick Braa] Negotiating Agreements
- [Rick Braa] Use all available government programs
- [Legal guidance] 5-step action plan for handling anti-mask guests
- Creating QR codes is an easy and free way to reach restaurant customers
- Department of Labor and Industry Division of Occupational Safety and Health Letters
- Washington restaurant shutdown checklist
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- [Legal memo] Issues to consider regarding mandatory coronavirus vaccine policies
- [Rick Braa] Fundamental Routines
- [Rick Braa]Plan and Forecast
- [Rick Braa]Engineer your business
- Tips for cleaning POS equipment
- FDA announces best practices for food establishments
- How to optimize your delivery and take-out operations
- Ready for delivery? Avoid driver insurance pitfalls, 4.2.20
- How restaurants can preserve cash to weather the coronavirus outbreak
- OSHA guidance on employee and workplace safety during coronavirus
- Cleaning and disinfecting guidance for hospitality
- No-contact delivery visual guide
- Hands-free hospitality: How to make no-contact delivery part of your business model
- Small Business Development Center business survival strategies
- Adapting amid coronavirus: Important aspects of takeout business
- Get Ready to Deliver
- Social Distancing: What it means and what you should do
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- Washington Hospitality CEO Podcast - Hunting for workers amid labor shortages 7/7/21
- Tips for cleaning POS equipment
- Sysco Coronavirus Resources
- Zero Cost Marketing Resources
- Restaurants: Use the crisis as a business reset
- Business insurance claims and grace periods during the coronavirus outbreak, 4.1.20
- OSHA guidance on employee and workplace safety during coronavirus
- Cleaning and disinfecting guidance for hospitality
- New guidance to auto insurers about covering delivery services
- Free ServSafe classes for safe takeout and delivery
- Does the Association have a standard letter to communicate to staff what COVID-19 is and why we might need to close?
- Staying in business: Coronavirus checklist
- [Webinar recap] Small business relief loans, survival strategies and more
- Social distancing is critical to containing the spread
- Small Business Development Center business survival strategies
- Some small businesses and residential renters to get relief
- Washington restaurant shutdown checklist
- Reducing food waste during temporary closures
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- Videos -Advisory Network Podcast: Buying or Selling Other Q&A’s
- [FAQ] Should my employees wear masks? 4.6.20
- What if anything do I need to do for my employees so that they can travel to work?
- Does the Association have a standard letter to communicate to staff what COVID-19 is and why we might need to close?
- Small Business Development Center business survival strategies
- Should hotels shut down the complimentary breakfast area?
- Can my landlord still demand rent from me if I'm forced to close?
- Operations FAQ
- Should we adjust our cancellation policies?
- How can we communicate with customers?
- What should I be doing in my business?
- What if I temporarily close?
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Entertainment Reopening
Employee Support FAQ
I have not laid off any employees, yet their hours have been significantly cut. What are their options?
The Shared Work program with ESD was designed to help employees in this exact situation. This program has to be initiated by the employer and allows employees to earn wages from the employer and receive a partial benefit payment from unemployment insurance.
This program was also extended by Congress on Friday, March 27th, and will include a waiver of the 7 day waiting period.
For more information click here.
Do employers have to pay tipped employees benefits based on their tipped or non-tipped wages?
That depends on the benefit, Paid Sick and Safe Leave (State and Local) is calculated based on the employee’s base wages, not including tips.
- Unemployment Insurance benefits are calculated based on reported tips.
- Workers Compensation is also calculated based on reported tips.
- Paid Family and Medical Leave is calculated based on base wages.
Is it legally required to pay hazard pay to your employees during a pandemic?
No, there is no requirement for hazard pay. If your employees feel uncertain about the best practices to prevent the spread of COVID-19, we offer ServSafe training, here are two free ServSafe videos related to COVID-19.
Are there any Unemployment Insurance options for Corporate Officers?
As the law is written today, corporate officers can not draw UI benefits, unless the company is disolved. There are UI relief packages being worked on, and this question is a part of those conversations. Please check our Coronavirus Resource Guide for updates.
Are there any plans to support owners who don’t have access to any Unemployment Insurance benefits?
There are UI relief packages being worked on, and this question is a part of those conversations. Please check our Coronavirus Resource Guide for updates.
I see that ESD has extended standby from 8 weeks up to 12 weeks, how do I ensure that I get the 12 weeks?
You would need to update your claim with ESD, at this time we do not anticipate the governor will extend his order beyond 12 weeks. The most recent order, as of March 23rd 2020, runs through April 6th, 2020.
Updated April 6, 2020: Inslee extends ‘Stay Home, Stay Healthy’ through May 4
What are the reporting requirements for Seattle Sick time?
Here is a good document that describes the requirements in the city of Seattle for Sick time. Note that the requirements around reporting/notice have not changed since this became law in 2015. https://www.seattle.gov/Documents/Departments/LaborStandards/Final%20PSST%20Requirements%20Chart.pdf
I’m having a hard time getting through to ESD, what should I do?
ESD is overwhelmed with claims right now. However, there are a couple of options.
The first is to file an appeal to the decision – https://esd.wa.gov/unemployment/benefit-denials-and-appeals
The second is to schedule ESD to call you, which you can do here – https://esd.wa.gov/unemployment/UI-callback
Can employees collect PSST if they are on unemployment?
No, if an employee is laid off they can no longer take PSST because they are no longer employed.
Can an employee who chooses not to work due to fear of the virus still collect unemployment?
Unemployment benefits are not available to employees who “voluntarily quit” employment, unless a reason for “good cause” can be established. Further, in order to be eligible for benefits you must be willing and able to work. ESD has adopted emergency rules, and the exception to this is if the employee receives a “request from a a medical professional, local health official or the Secretary or Health to be isolated or quarantined as a consequence of COVID-19, even if they have not been diagnosed with COVID-19”
If an employee chooses not to work, but has not been asked to quarantine or isolate, that is their choice to voluntarily quit, and as such will no longer be eligible for benefits.
If the employer has applied for Shared work program and listed employees, does the employee also apply?
According to the Employment Security Department, the employee should apply for unemployment and standby status.
What if I am temporarily laid off work because of COVID-19?
If you are temporarily laid off work you should file for unemployment benefits and apply for standby status (full-time or part-time), you may receive an automated notice indicating your request is denied. Do not worry, that notice does not reflect the emergency rules. We are in the process of updating our computer system. Once that is complete we will be reviewing all standby denials from March 8 forward to determine if they meet the new standby criteria. If your request is approved, you will receive another letter informing you of the approval. Continue to file weekly claims during this time. Do not call the claims center.
https://esd.wa.gov/standby-auto-denial-letters
Unemployment Denied. I have 2 multi-unit members now that have voiced their concerns about their unemployment for their employees being denied. They are very concerned because their servers have no money. What steps do they need to take to resolve this?
They need to follow the steps outlined in their denial letter to appeal the decision. Please note if this is regarding standby, everyone will get a denial record if they are part time hourly. They extended the benefits to part time, but are not able to update their system this quickly. Everyone gets initially denied, then the department will contact you again.
Can I give a non taxable draw now then when back give a bonus of the advance and taxes?
Unfortunately, any wages paid to the employee will be deducted from the employee’s benefit amount.
One option you may want to consider is the SharedWork program. This program is designed for employees who have their hours significantly cut. This allows you to pay your employee wages, and they can file for UI benefits for the lost wages. While this won’t keep an employee 100% whole, it will allow them to opportunity to earn more than under a full layoff.
Additionally, under the CARES act passed by Congress last week, eligible employees using unemployment benefits may now receive $600 more per week. It will take ESD a few weeks to update their system and implement this benefit.
Stimulus package, the additional $600 per week unemployment. Most hourly employees will make more than their regular paychecks. It wouldn’t make sense for someone to get off unemployment if this was the case. How will this work?
As of 3/30, the Employment Security Department is working on guidance on how the extended benefit will be applied, and how it will interact with state expanded benefits. However, the loosening of certain requirements do not apply to “essential critical infrastructure workers”, which includes our industry’s employees.
Once you reopen, the employee’s “standby” status would change and they would be required to report for work.
For the latest information from ESD, follow this link: https://esd.wa.gov/newsroom/covid-19
If I place my employee(s) on standby, and I do not bring them back within the standby period, what are the repercussions?
If you need to take more time before you can bring your employee(s) back, you simply need to let ESD know. The program has been extended to 12 weeks, and can be extended further on a case by case basis.
If you are unable to bring employees back, and have to do a permanent layoff, there is no penalty to employers – with the exception that the permanent layoff will impact your experience rating.
If I place an employee on standby will it affect my experience rating?
No – the relief the legislature passed on the last day of session (at the request of the hospitality association) included $25 million to pay off the experience rating cost.
What should I do if an employee becomes sick?
If an employee becomes sick, they should be sent home. They are able to use their Paid Sick and Safe Leave. If a doctor certifies their condition they may apply for paid family and medical leave. They are also entitled to Unemployment Insurance benefits if they are unable to work if required to quarantine. They may not receive both Unemployment Insurance and Paid Family Medical Leave at the same time.
I have multiple units, my employees have been denied unemployment. What steps do I need to take to resolve this?
They need to follow the steps outlined in their denial letter to appeal the decision. Please note if this is regarding standby, everyone will get a denial record if they are part time hourly. They extended the benefits to part time, but are not able to update their system this quickly. Everyone gets initially denied, then the department will contact you again.
Does the SEAP program through ESD work for our existing small business operators?
You can find more information here: https://www.esd.wa.gov/jobs-and-training/self-employment-assistance-program
In order to qualify for SEAP, you must be eligible for unemployment benefits. Unfortunately this in not for workers or business owners who are looking for an option because they do not currently meet eligibility requirements.
Unemployment Eligibility rolls on a benefit year
If an employee has exhausted their unemployment and hasn’t qualified for a new benefit year, will there be any benefits available to them if they were working and laid off ?
For example, an employee started their claim in June 2019 and used it all up. Will there be an exception made for them to the benefit year rule?
Is an employee with a green card eligible for unemployment benefits?
Green card holders are eligible.