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.

Legislator Joe Lorigo said, “The weather is starting to get colder and restaurants are still forced to operate at limited capacity under state restrictions. Many establishments have been able to safely accommodate customers through expanded outdoor seating, but that will become more difficult as the seasons change. I am hoping we can establish a grant program that would allow restaurant owners to purchase and install heating equipment for their outdoor dining space to continue operating in the coming months. As elected leaders, we need to find creative ways to help our restaurants keep their doors open.”

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)

“These statistics are shocking,” Legislator Lorigo added. “If we don’t act quickly to provide financial assistance to restaurants, more businesses will close. I would hate to see that happen in Erie County or anywhere in New York State. We should consider all our options to help these struggling business owners.”

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.”

Legislator Frank Todaro said, “Expanded outdoor dining space has been a huge benefit to restaurant owners that I have spoken with throughout my legislative district and Erie County. As fall and winter approaches, many will need assistance affording equipment to continue serving outdoors. This funding could be a lifeline for them, and I hope we can act quickly to provide that assistance.”

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.”