(WWJ) The Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association is responding to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s announcement that all COVID-19 restrictions will be lifted on Tuesday.
They released a statement reading:
"The hospitality industry received transcendent news today that will finally move it past 463 days of closure, capacity restrictions and elevated regulatory scrutiny that forced more than one in six Michigan restaurants to close their doors for good. The challenges ahead remain daunting for many, but this industry is resilient, adaptive and ready to meet this newfound opportunity head on.
The MRLA will focus its efforts going forward on sensible workforce solutions that benefit employers and employees alike. We also will advocate for the strategic investment of federal dollars to help restore the hospitality industry to its rightful place as one of opportunity and as an ambassador to all that is Pure Michigan."
The Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association said this has been a harrowing 15 months for its industry. As of September, they released economic impact data reporting 4,000 Michigan restaurant owners believe their eateries would never reopen.
Also in September, the National Restaurant Association said that 1 in 6 restaurants nationwide would close long term or permanently due to the pandemic.
No new numbers have been released since.
Restaurants across the state had to get creative to make it through the cold months by winterizing their patios.
Starting this coming Tuesday, June 22, capacity in both indoor and outdoor settings will increase to 100%.
Michigan will no longer require residents to wear a face mask.
The original plan was to lift those restrictions on July 1.
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