Restaurants that opened outdoor dining areas amid the COVID-19 pandemic are eligible to receive grants of up to $10,000 to help cover costs they incurred, the city announced Friday.
Bars, breweries, distilleries, restaurants and wineries in Long Beach are eligible to apply for the grants between Friday, Dec. 18, and 4 p.m., Dec. 28. The money will be distributed on a first come, first served basis.
It wasn’t immediately clear how much total funding is available.
Business owners who own multiple eligible establishments may apply more than once. However, businesses will only be eligible for a second grant if funds remain after all applications have been reviewed, the city said.
The expenses to be covered must have been incurred between June 1 and Dec. 28.
After issuing a strict stay-at-home order that shuttered all businesses in March, the city began to allow restaurants to operate outdoors, and in some cases on sidewalks, in June.
As cases began to mount in the fall, the city, along with Los Angeles County, shut down all in person dining on Nov. 25. The dine-in prohibition will last at least through Dec. 28 in an effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
The grant funds may be used on a variety of expenses, some of which include outdoor furniture, contactless payment systems, lighting, signage, shade sails, tents, heaters, canopies and more.
To apply, visit the Outdoor Dining Grant Program webpage, then complete the Outdoor Dining Grant Prequalification Form.
Businesses that are prequalified will be required to submit additional documentation before approval, including proof of an outdoor activities permit, a parklet permit or sidewalk permit; along with receipts and invoices that verify expenses.
For information, businesses call 562-570-4249.