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 Ed Rath said, “This would be a win-win for restaurant owners and customers. We still have access to CARES Act funding and need to spend it by the end of the year. The Erie County restaurant industry is a vital piece of the local economy. We should do anything we can to help these establishments stay afloat, especially when they are forced to deal with limited capacity mandates and other burdensome regulations.”