Helpful Links: Navigating the Covid-19 Crisis
Updated May 5, 2020
This Guide is a compilation of the latest and most helpful resources for Bar, Restaurant, and Gaming Establishment owners, their families, and employees to navigate the Covid-19 crisis and its impact on their businesses and livelihood.
For Location Owners
WWW.CORONAVIRUS.GOV: Federal Coronavirus Resource Website
- Access to the latest resources, information, and guidelines from the White House, FEMA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- Includes a section dedicated to small business owners
White House Guidelines for Opening Up America Again
- President Trump’s three-phased approach to reopening state and local economies
National Restaurant Association COVID-19 Reopening Guide
- The National Restaurant Association has developed a comprehensive COVID-19 reopening guide for the industry to ensure a safe and secure environment for employees and guests
- Includes an overview of the FDA’s Best Practices for Retail Food Stores, Restaurants, and Food Pick-Up/Delivery Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic
- The IGB posts special notices pertaining to VGT operations and COVID-19 on this page
- The Illinois Gaming Board has suspended all video gaming operations at all licensed video gaming establishments and suspended gambling operations at all casinos until further notice due to COVID-19. The Board is continuously monitoring developments in connection with the COVID-19 public health crisis and will update licensees and the public as warranted.
- IGB license renewal fees that were due on or before March 31 are now due 10 business days after the IGB resumes statewide video gaming operations. The IGB has also suspended billing through April 8
- Illinois Liquor License renewal has also been extended a grace period
- National Restaurant Association’s overview of the $2.2 trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, and how it impacts and benefits restaurants, bars, and gaming establishments
- Highlights: Expanded unemployment insurance ($260B); small business rescue plan ($377B); direct payments to working Americans; student loan relief
US Small Business Administration (SBA) Coronavirus Relief Website
- Paycheck Protection Program resumed April 27, 2020, with a second round of federal funding
- SBA Express Bridge Loans
- SBA Debt Relief
Cook County Relief Package for Residents and Businesses
- Series of measures waiving various Cook County fines, fees and deferring tax collection
- Most relevant to our Cook Co partners: Home Rule taxes deferred (including Alcohol & Amusements taxes); Liquor License renewal fees and fines also pushed back
Illinois Liquor Control Commission Website
- Includes several helpful links: COVID-19 FAQ for liquor licensees; temporary ILCC policies; and other COVID-19 policies
Illinois Income Tax Extension & $90 Million in Small Business Aid
- March 25 press release from Gov Pritzker’s office detailing the IL aid package rolled out this week
- Most relevant to our partners: IL income tax filing & payment extension (in line with IRS extension); emergency assistance for small businesses
Illinois New Measures to Help Illinoisans Affected by COVID-19
- March 19 press release from Gov Pritzker’s office detailing initial Covid-19 measures
- Most relevant to our partners: sales tax deferral; small business loans
Taft Law Covid-19 Resource Toolkit
- Broad-ranging toolkit with short articles and helpful links across a variety of sectors and industries
- Most relevant sections for our partners: Business; Employment; Entertainment; Finance; Food & Beverage; Tax…
Employment Law Update from Taft
- Details on which employment laws apply with regard to Covid-19
Illinois Shelter in Place Executive Order
- Link to the Executive Order issued April 1, 2020
For Location Employees
USBG Bartender Emergency Assistance Program
- Multi-million-dollar fund open to all qualified bartenders (candidate must demonstrate he/she was a bartender for at least a full year prior to applying for the program)
- Grants range between $150-500 per beneficiary
- Do not need to be a USBG member to apply
Restaurant Opportunities Centers United
- List of national, state and city-specific resources available to restaurant workers
- National Restaurant Association’s overview of the $2.2 trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, and how it impacts and benefits restaurants, bars, and gaming establishments
- Highlights: Expanded unemployment insurance ($260B); small business rescue plan ($377B); direct payments to working Americans; student loan relief
We hope this information has proven helpful. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Universal Gaming Group for information and advice.
