Sweeney Statement on Reopening of Indoor Dining

Trenton – Senate President Steve Sweeney issued the following statement today welcoming the Governor’s decision to allow for the resumption of indoor dining and urging him to sign legislation reimbursing restaurants for false openings:

“I welcome the Governor’s action to allow for the resumption of indoor dining and for movie theaters and other performing venues to reopen their doors. This is an important step for these businesses, their workers and patrons, and for the economic well-being of their home communities. Restaurants have been some of the hardest-hit small businesses in New Jersey, with many pushed to the brink of bankruptcy. They are often anchors for their local communities, with the jobs and economic activity key to the quality of life.

“I would urge the Governor to fully recognize the plight of the restaurants by signing into law the legislation to reimburse those that incurred expenses for the false openings. They lost money they did not have at a time when they can least afford the debt. Reimbursements from federal funds already given to the state can be a lifeline to them.

“I also encourage the Governor to monitor public health factors closely to determine if and when restaurants can reopen fully or with increased capacity. The partial return to business is an important step, but the ability of many restaurants to survive the shutdown will continue to be challenging.”