Washington, D.C. — Today, Rep. Annie Kuster (NH-02) voted in favor of bipartisan legislation to provide targeted relief to restaurants and small businesses in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. This bill, H.R. 3807, the Relief for Restaurants and other Hard Hit Small Businesses Act of 2022, provides an additional $42 billion to replenish the Restaurant Revitalization Fund and $13 billion for a new Hard Hit Industries Award Program to ensure restaurants and other eligible small businesses in New Hampshire and throughout the country can access support as they continue to recover from challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Our Granite State restaurants, bakeries, breweries, wineries, and food service industry play a critical role in our state’s economy and culture — but many are still struggling with pandemic-related debt,” said Rep. Kuster. “Today, I was proud to vote with my colleagues from across the aisle to replenish the Restaurant Revitalization Fund to provide needed resources to restaurants in New Hampshire and across the country. I will continue working to support our service economy and ensure local restaurants can overcome the challenges caused by COVID-19 and remain open for their communities.”

Eligible Restaurant Revitalization Fund recipients include:

·         Restaurants

·         Food stands, food trucks, food carts

·         Caterers

·         Bars, saloons, lounges, taverns

·         Snack and nonalcoholic beverage bars

·         Bakeries (onsite sales to the public comprise at least 33% of gross receipts)

·         Brewpubs, tasting rooms, taprooms (onsite sales to the public comprise at least 33% of gross receipts)

·         Breweries or microbreweries (onsite sales to the public comprise at least 33% of gross receipts)

·         Wineries and distilleries (onsite sales to the public comprise at least 33% of gross receipts)

·         Inns (onsite sales of food and beverage to the public comprise at least 33% of gross receipts)

·         Licensed facilities or premises of a beverage alcohol producer where the public may taste, sample, or purchase products

Congresswoman Kuster is a strong advocate for New Hampshire’s restaurant industry. Last year, she helped get the American Rescue Plan Act and Restaurant Revitalization Fund over the finish line to deliver critical relief to New Hampshire small businesses and restaurants during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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