Friday, March 20, 2020 | 5:03 p.m.
Gov. Steve Sisolak’s new emergency directive that nonessential businesses still operating in Nevada will be subject to civil and possibly criminal penalties does not change the rules about restaurants in Southern Nevada. Food service businesses can continue to operate via delivery, pickup and drive-through services.
No dine-in restaurant operations should continue.
Restaurants across Las Vegas have been adapting to the current closures and circumstances created by the coronavirus pandemic by shifting to curbside pickup and delivery services, and residents have been taking advantage of those services while supporting their favorite establishments.
Restaurateur Elizabeth Blau and a group of local industry leaders have petitioned the Governor’s Office to lobby for emergency unemployment benefits for independent restaurant workers, tax credits and other measures that will give independent restaurant operators a better chance to survive the shutdown.
“And don’t forget some of the Strip restaurants are independents, too, like Chica and Yardbird [at Venetian],” Blau said. “It’s not just restaurants. Think of the ancillary businesses we support, like florists, farmers and fishermen. If someone actually calculated the local impact of these businesses, it’s overwhelming.”
Las Vegas organizers also launched a virtual tip jar to support newly unemployed restaurant, bar and nightclub workers during the mandated shutdown. Locals can support those workers by sending a “tip” to bartenders, servers and others through Venmo, Cash App, Paypal and Zelle. Workers can fill out an online form here to be added to the list while those looking to donate can find industry friends to assist here.
