The Ohio Department of Commerce reports that the application period for Bar and Restaurant Assistance Fund is coming to a close, and currently, only 44 percent of all eligible liquor establishments in Logan County have applied for the relief funds.
“We would like 100 percent participation to help these businesses in your community. The deadline to apply is Dec. 31, which is less than three weeks away,” Michael Gravely, Ohio Department of Commerce public information officer said Friday.
The Bar and Restaurant Assistance Fund provides $2,500 for those permit holders who haven’t been able to fully use their liquor permit. Businesses with an on-premise consumption permit through the Ohio Department of Commerce will be eligible to receive $2,500 per unique business location.
Businesses need to have an active on-premise permit as of close of business Oct. 23, 2020.
“We want to see every establishment that serves alcohol take advantage of this $2,500 check,” said Sherry Maxfield, Director of the Department of Commerce. “At this moment, many have not. This money will give them an opportunity to pay their rent, buy important supplies, or take care of other expenses that are foundational to their day-to-day work.”
This $38.7 million fund will help licensees significantly impacted by COVID-19 and limited in the full use of their liquor permit. Funding for the program is from the CARES Act.
Throughout the state, the Division of Liquor Control has more than 15,000 permit holders that qualify for the assistance fund. This applies to roughly 30 permit types, including bars, restaurants, breweries, distilleries, wineries, casinos and private clubs.
The Ohio Department of Administrative Services will be sending checks to permit holders as soon as applications are processed. Funds cannot be distributed after Dec. 31.
Visit BusinessHelp.Ohio.Gov to access the online application. Permit holders may apply for the liquor assistance funding as well as the Small Business Relief Grant through the online application at BusinessHelp.Ohio.Gov.