Area State Lawmakers Ask Governor Newsom To Declare Restaurants ‘Essential’

10 months after the Covid-19 pandemic began, a group of 11 California lawmakers is asking California Governor  Gavin Newsom to move restaurants into the “essential” business category and permit them to reopen statewide.

The letter reads as follows:

“We ask that you immediately reclassify the restaurant industry as critical infrastructure before more damage is done, as it is becoming obvious to Californians, these essential businesses do more than simply provide a place to eat. Restaurants are active participants in local neighborhoods, providing meals to senior citizens and

working with food banks to feed families struggling to put food on their tables. We urge you, in the strongest possible terms, to reclassify restaurants as essential businesses and adopt the industry’s protocols that would allow restaurants to operate safely, the future of thousands of restaurants, their employees and the unique character of our local communities are dependent on the survival of this industry.”

There is no public response yet from Governor Newsom.

Among the lawmakers signing the letter, are 9 Republicans:

Senators Melissa Melendez of Lake Elsinore, Patricia Bates of Laguna Niguel, Andreas Borgeas of Fresno, Brian Dahle of Redding, Shannon Grove of Yucca Valley, Brian Jones of El Cajon, Jim Nielsen of Roseville, Scott Wilk of Lancaster  and Rosilicie Bogh of Rancho Cucamonga.

Joining them are  2 Democrats….Senator Melissa Hurtado of Hanford and Assemblywoman Monique Limon of Santa Barbara.

The letter points out that 1.8 million jobs statewide are tied to the restaurant and food service industry. Roughly 60% of eateries are owned by people of color, and 50% are owned or partially owned by women.

 

Village Pub Brick Wall with Tables and Chairs.

Photo from Alpha Media Portland OR

 

More about: