OUTDOOR DINING GUIDELINES FOR WINTER
Earlier this month, the City announced initial guidelines—addressing shelter and heating specifications—to support restaurants that continue to offer outdoor dining as the weather gets cooler. Learn more about the specific requirements and regulations here. The guidelines are subject to change at any time.
Indoor dining remains at a maximum of 50 percent capacity for self-certified restaurants. Other safety precautions and restrictions remain in effect. Bar service remains prohibited. Learn more.
If businesses do not follow the restrictions for either outdoor or indoor dining, the City may be forced to roll back restaurant dining. Businesses that continually violate the health guidance can be reported to Philly 311 (by calling 3-1-1 or 215-686-8686, using the app, or submitting online). Violations can result in immediate cease operation orders, and ignoring social distancing and face covering rules can result in a $2,000 fine per instance.
Applications for outdoor dining options can be found on this page in the “Entertainment/Travel and Restaurants” section.
If you have questions, contact the Office of Business Services at 215-683-2100 or via email at business@phila.gov.
TAKE-OUT DINING SUPPORT
To support restaurants that are offering takeout dining, the City is reviewing requests for temporary loading zones. Restaurants can apply here for a temporary FREE parking space loading zone.
2 NEW SMALL BIZ GRANT OPPORTUNITIES
DoorDash recently announced a new grant program to help Philadelphia restaurants prepare for colder weather and continue to serve customers throughout the winter. Learn more and apply here.
The Comcast RISE Grant program is now open for applications. The program is geared towards Black-owned businesses. The deadline is November 7, 2020.
NEW BUSINESS RECOVERY PAYMENT AGREEMENTS
Philadelphia businesses that were in compliance before the pandemic, but are now struggling to pay taxes, can take advantage of new payment agreements. Watch our video to learn about eligibility and flexible terms.
The City can also help businesses that were in a payment agreement – or that already owed taxes – before COVID-related closures. Go here to find an agreement that best fits your situation.
HOW TO FILE FOR A REFUND OF U&O TAXES
If your business is requesting a refund for Use & Occupancy (U&O) Tax because of COVID-19 closure orders, it is important to note that businesses must first amend their refund. The Philadelphia Department of Revenue has instructions on how to do this.
SMALL BUSINESS OWNER SURVEY NOW OPEN
Take the Federal Reserve Bank’s annual Small Business Credit Survey to provide timely insights on small business conditions to policymakers, service providers, and lenders. The deadline to complete the survey is Saturday, October 31, 2020.
HOW TO FILE FOR A REFUND OF U&O TAXES
If your business is requesting a refund for Use & Occupancy (U&O) Tax because of COVID-19 closure orders, it is important to note that businesses must first amend their refund. The Philadelphia Department of Revenue has instructions on how to do this.
SEARCH OPPORTUNITIES: As part of the Local Business Procurement Initiative (LBPI), the City has also launched a new website called the Contracts Hub, where businesses can easily search an aggregated list of opportunities to do business with the City of Philadelphia.