Austin Approves COVID-19 Relief Package With $5 Million for Restaurants and Live Music Venues

City of Austin Approves of COVID-19 Relief Fund
The Austin City Council approved of the $15 million relief fund proposal, aimed to support restaurants, live music venues, and child care businesses in the city that have been impacted by the novel coronavirus virus last week on October 1. The relief package, as reported before, will be split into three $5 million categories, one dedicated to live music venues, one to child care businesses, and the third to be shared by what the city deems as “iconic” restaurants, bars, live music venues, and arts organizations.

During the October 1 meeting, Mayor Steve Adler acknowledged the difficulties restaurants have been facing amid the pandemic, but that there isn’t enough money available as far as the city is concerned. He also encouraged businesses to take advantage of expanding their outdoor areas through special permitting, and noted that the city should look into offering property tax relief.

Adler also expressed that SAVES isn’t intended to completely save the restaurant industry. “I’d like to see us doing everything we can to help restaurants,” he said. “The scale of that challenge is enormous and dwarfs the kinds of dollars that we’re talking about here.”

“I recognize, and believe, that there is a huge need among restaurants in our city,” Adler said, but that he hopes the federal government will fill in that gap. However, this week, President Donald Trump halted all negotiations of the next federal COVID-19 relief aid until after the election in November.

Austin Chefs and Bars Participate in Virtual Austin City Limits
Austin City Limits isn’t happening in-person this year, but the music festival is going to take place virtually this weekend. The broadcast will consist of replaying performances from previous years (Willie Nelson, St. Vincent, Gary Clark Jr., etc.) and newer ones (Mobley, Black Pumas, Otis the Destroyer). Rounding out the lineup are various special appearances, which include Austin pitmasters Miguel Vidal and Evan LeRoy, as well as local dive bar Donn’s Depot. It runs from Friday, October 9 to Sunday, October 11 through ACL’s website and YouTube channel.

Public Alcohol Consumption Allowed in East Austin
The Austin City Council voted to allow the drinking of alcoholic beverages in the public in East Austin last week, as reported by KUT.

Mediterranean Chain Expansion
California-based fast-casual Mediterranean chain the Kebab Shop is opening three more Austin-area locations. There’s one set for Round Rock and another set for Pflugerville at 18616 Limestone Commercial Drive as part of the Stone Hill Town Center, both of which will open in early 2021.There’s still the forthcoming one set for East Austin, aiming to open this November. Its first Austin location opened in the Arboretum in 2019.