Dine-In Restaurant Relief Program Now Open to Applications

Are you a restaurant operator who has shifted to a food delivery model amid Code Red pandemic restrictions? This program can help you defray associated costs.

On January 6, 2021, the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce, in partnership with the Manitoba Restaurant and Foodservices Association, opened the online application process for a new COVID-19 emergency support fund for businesses, the Dine-in Restaurant Relief Program. We know the Code Red restrictions have been extremely difficult for the hospitality sector, and if you’re a non-quick service restaurant, we encourage you to apply to this program.

Through a $5-million grant from the Province of Manitoba announced on Dec. 22/2020, we will be able to deliver much-needed financial relief to dine-in restaurants directly affected by the Critical (red) level restrictions of the #RestartMB Pandemic Response System. This rebate represents meaningful support that will have a positive impact on our hard-hit hospitality industry, which includes roughly 2,000 traditionally dine-in restaurants across the province that have been closed to in-person dining for more than 60 days at this point.

HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS

• The COVID-19 prevention orders associated with the Critical (red) level of the pandemic response system permit restaurants to provide take-out, curbside pick-up, and delivery service, while prohibiting the operation of a dining room. This relief program is designed to provide a rebate to dine-in restaurants that shifted to a delivery model during the Critical (red) phase.
• The rebate will help offset costs related to food delivery services incurred DURING the Critical (red) phase, whether a restaurant provides its own delivery service or uses a third party.
• Restaurant operators can submit third-party delivery company fees for reimbursement, and those managing their own delivery system can be eligible for reimbursement of 20% of delivery invoices.

“The Manitoba government appreciates the sacrifices made by our restaurant community to protect Manitobans from this deadly virus, and our $5 million investment will help cover the additional costs for dine-in restaurants to comply with public health orders and safely provide their services,” said Ralph Eichler, Minister of Economic Development and Jobs for the Manitoba government.

“In a time when the restaurant industry in Manitoba has experienced significant revenue losses due to the pandemic and code red restrictions, we are pleased to see our provincial government creating this initiative to ensure some of the additional expenses of operating during this unprecedented time are recognized,” said Shaun Jeffrey, executive director, Manitoba Restaurant and Foodservices Association. “We all want to see our favourite restaurants make it through to the other side of the crisis.”