Members of the Erie County Legislature’s Minority Caucus are pushing for a portion of CARES Act funding to be given to help restaurants continue or create expanded outdoor seating as temperatures drop.

The resolution, introduced Thursday, asks that $1 million be allocated to help restaurant owners purchase heating equipment, supplies, or be used to help offset labor costs to expand and heat outdoor space. Grants depending on the size and scope of heating plans would be available. In order for a restaurant to qualify, they must have plans to create, enhance, or expand a heated outdoor dining site while maintaining COVID-19 restricted seating capacity and guidelines.

Many local restaurants are finding creative solutions to continue serving patrons outdoors. However, a recent survey suggests 90 percent of New York State restaurants are unlikely to be profitable in the next six months under the current restrictions. (WBEN: Survey: 90% of NYS restaurants unlikely to be profitable in the next 6 months)

Legislator John Mills said, “I have been in the food distribution business for more than 40 years and conduct business with many restaurants throughout the community. When the weather gets colder, more people typically dine out. We need to make sure these restaurants can continue serving customers and meeting their demands. If not, many will have to close their doors. I hope we can all agree that spending a portion of this CARES Act funding on expanded outdoor dining options would be a benefit to the local restaurant industry and their patrons throughout Erie County.”