Province Announces New Measures to Support Restaurants During the Pandemic

Tuesday, 13 October 2020 at 13:21

Premier Doug Ford announced new permanent measures to help the restaurant industry today which includes the sale of alcohol with delivery and mental health supports to business owners and employees who are struggling.

ONTARIO - The Ontario Government is looking to support local restaurants and the food service industry during the pandemic.

Premier Doug Ford says they're encouraging everyone to support your favourite local restaurants right now.

"Families and entrepreneurs across Ontario have poured their hearts into local restaurants and diners. They've been there for us, from donating to charities to sponsoring little league sports. To support them during these tough times, our government is making millions available to provide relief for fixed costs. I'm also calling on everyone in Ontario to rally around our small businesses by ordering takeout or delivery. Together, we can make a huge difference."

To provide relief for local restaurants and other businesses impacted by the new public health measures, Ontario announced $300 million to help offset fixed costs, including property taxes, hydro and natural gas bills.

The government is also supporting small business through its Main Street Recovery Plan by:

- Committing to permanently allow licensed restaurants and bars to include alcohol with food as part of a takeout or delivery order before the existing regulation expires;
- Permanently allowing 24/7 deliveries to restaurants;
- Supporting the distribution of local food and food products by increasing the range of products sold at the Ontario Food Terminal;
- Ending outdated and duplicative rules so businesses can focus on their work;
- Modernizing regulations to allow businesses to innovate and meet the challenges of today;
- Providing mental health supports to business owners and employees who are struggling;
- Providing $57 million with federal partners through the Digital Main Street program and creating new Digital Main Street squads to help small businesses grow online; and
- Launching a new portal to assist small businesses to quickly find the supports and information they need.

All Ontarians can support their local businesses by celebrating #TakeoutDay — today, tomorrow, and any day of the week. You can listen to the remarks from the Premier this afternoon below: