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Michigan restaurants and bars can apply for COVID-19 Relief grants starting Tuesday
Michigan small businesses such as independent restaurants that are hurting due to the novel coronavirus crisis can apply starting at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, December 15, for up to $15,000 of a total of $10 million in relief from the Pure Michigan Small Business Relief Initiative. Grants will be awarded on a first-come basis, so make sure to apply early. The relief is part of CARES Act money secured by the state at the beginning of the pandemic. The CARES Act is scheduled to expire on Saturday, December 26, and thus far Congress has approved nothing to replace it. Among many stipulations, applicants must be in compliance with the state’s COVID-19 safety guidelines — meaning defiant restaurants need not apply.
Detroit extends water shut off moratorium through 2022
In a major win for Detroit water rights activists, Mayor Mike Duggan and the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department have extended a moratorium on water shutoffs through 2022. Water shutoffs, long-criticised as a inhumane stain on the city of Detroit’s reputation, were initially suspended during the novel coronavirus pandemic to help ensure that people had the water necessary to wash their hands regularly and prevent the spread of disease.
Room service levels up during the pandemic at Detroit Foundation Hotel
The Detroit Foundation Hotel is accepting bookings for indoor dining in private hotel suites for up to six people. Groups can either choose from a five-course tasting menu or select items from the Apparatus Room’s menu. Holiday menus start at $85 and require a $50 fee to pay for cleaning and sanitizing the room. Call 313-800-5500 to reserve a spot.
Food distributor fundraises for restaurants and bars
Atlas Wholesale Food Company announced on Wednesday, December 8, that it has launched an initiative to promote carryout dining in Detroit and support local restaurants and bars during the indoor dining shutdown. Atlas is offering to match “dollar for dollar” the amount customers spend in the form of a product credit and has pledged up to $100,000. In order to participate customers must order from a participating restaurant and photograph an itemized receipts with the date of the order and total amount, including tax and tip. Post the photo to Facebook with the hashtag #RescueMIRestaurant. The program runs through Friday, December 25.
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