TITLE
Recommendation to request City Manager to work with all other appropriate departments, to evaluate the feasibility of implementing a temporary suspension of the health, fire and business licensing renewal fees for restaurants impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
DISCUSSION
On March 4, 2020, Governor Newsom proclaimed a State of Emergency to exist in California due to the threat posed by the novel coronavirus, COVID-19. Despite sustained efforts, COVID-19 remains a threat, and many local restaurants have experienced sudden income loss resulting from COVID-19. The impact is not just on the owners but affect a wide range of individuals in the industry from managers to employees and vendors. In addition, guests may choose to dine outside of Long Beach impacting our sales tax.
Given this loss in income for restaurants, City Council consideration is needed to approve local efforts to temporarily pause annual fees and charges payable to the City of Long Beach by these same restaurants until the State of Emergency is lifted by Governor Newsom.
FISCAL IMPACT
No Financial Management review was able to be conducted due the urgency and time sensitivity of this item.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
DARYL SUPERNAW
COUNCILMAN, FOURTH DISTRICT
MARY ZENDEJAS
COUNCILWOMAN ZENDEJAS, FIRST DISTRICT
SUZIE PRICE
COUNCILWOMEN, THIRD DISTRICT
AL AUSTIN
COUNCILMAN, EIGHTH DISTRICT