The Bismarck City Commission on Tuesday decided to look into giving financial breaks to certain pandemic-impacted businesses.
Meanwhile, bars and restaurants were allowed to resume staying open past 10 p.m. beginning Tuesday under a change announced Monday by Gov. Doug Burgum, and local bar owners and employees were looking forward to the extra hours.
Commissioners discussed financial relief options after bars and restaurants reached out to city staff. Commissioners held off on making any decisions Tuesday, instead deciding to form a stakeholder group to come up with solutions for the hospitality industry s financial woes during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Fargo City Commission voted Dec. 14 to freeze utilities for bars and restaurants in that city for the first six months of next year and to rebate 2021 liquor license fees.
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The Bismarck City Commission will be doing some further study on giving some financial breaks to businesses hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Bars and restaurants have asked for some relief, possibly in the form of reduced license rates.
Commissioner Mark Splonskowski said he understands the challenges faced by the hospitality industry, especially bars. The cross-hairs were put directly on them, Splonskowski said. This is a mess made by the state, and they ve left it to us to clean it up as best we can.
Commissioner Steve Marquart said he thinks the Commission should approach the upcoming Legislative session to lobby for help for those impacted businesses.