Governor Gianforte Lifts Restrictions on Small Businesses With New Directive (January 13, 2021)
On January 13, 2021, Governor Greg Gianforte issued a new directive to replace several complicated directives related to the pandemic.
“Improving our response to the pandemic has been my top priority,” Governor Gianforte said. “Today, I am issuing a new directive that removes or replaces the cumbersome layers of the existing ones. These new directives are clear. They are practical. They are commonsense. And they are easy to understand.”
Governor Gianforte’s 3-page directive replaces over 25 pages and layers of existing directives. Gianforte’s directive provides clear, easy-to-understand guidance.
The governor’s directive repeals onerous, arbitrary regulations on Montana small businesses, including restrictions on hours of operation and capacity.
Since March 2020, small business owners across Montana have worked to create a safe environment for their employees and customers while keeping their doors open. The new directive acknowledges the diversity of challenges businesses face in this pandemic, and affords them the flexibility to develop and implement appropriate policies based on industry best practices.
Governor Gianforte said, “We can reduce the burden on our small business owners while simultaneously protecting the health of Montana workers and customers. These are not mutually exclusive.”
Where industry best practices do not exist, the governor’s directive states that “such policies should be developed and implemented in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations and guidance.”
The directive also replaces the 25-person limit on public gatherings with simple guidance that “any public gatherings or events should be managed in a way that accommodates CDC social distancing guidelines.”
Montana business leaders welcomed Governor Gianforte’s new guidance:
Todd O’Hair, president and CEO of the Montana Chamber of Commerce: “We know that the bar, restaurant, and hospitality industry has been hit particularly hard during this pandemic. By lifting the restrictions placed on indoor seating, removing limits on hours of operation, and eliminating capacity limits, these businesses will begin to operate normally again. Montanans will be back to work, and our economy will be one step further into recovery.”
Mary Jane Heisler, president of the Montana Tavern Association: “This is a big deal for taverns, restaurants, and other hospitality businesses. I appreciate Governor Gianforte’s decision to take a more thoughtful approach.”
Steve Wahrlich, board member of Montana Lodging and Hospitality: “The hospitality sector of Montana’s economy is greatly appreciative of Governor Gianforte’s actions today. His concise plan will help businesses move forward, while also working to protect our customers and workers. We think this is a step to starting off the new year in the right direction.”
Ronda Wiggers, state director of the National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB): “We are very appreciative that Governor Gianforte understands that every small business is different. Allowing each business to follow best practice safety protocol that works for them, their employees, and their customers will allow Montana’s economy to begin to recover.”
In a press conference last Tuesday, Governor Gianforte provided a clear path to rescinding the statewide mask mandate. First, the most vulnerable Montanans are being vaccinated. Second, the legislature sends to his desk a measure to protect businesses and schools from lawsuits if they make a good faith effort to protect individuals from the spread of coronavirus and follow clear public health guidelines.
The full text of Governor Gianforte’s Executive Order 2-2021 and directive implementing EO 2-2021 may be found HERE and HERE.
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Montana Coronavirus Information & Resources
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NEW: MLHA/AHLA Safe Stay Resource: Housekeeping Frequency During Safe Stays
How Should Your Business Handle Anti-Mask Guests? A 5-Step Action Plan
https://www.fisherphillips.com/resources-alerts-how-should-your-business-handle-anti-mask
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Payroll Protection Flexibility Act
Key aspects of the bill and the changes MLHA members should anticipate:
Key aspects of the bill and the changes MLHA members should anticipate:
- Allows forgiveness for payroll and operating expenses up to 24 weeks after origination and extends the rehiring deadline
- Permits up to 40% of funds to be used for operating expenses
- Extends the covered period from June 30 to December 31
- Extends loan terms from two to five years
- Permits payroll tax deferment for businesses that take PPP loans
Back to Business Checklist: fisher_phillips_back_to_business_checklist_-_april_2020_-_general.pdf
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InnSpace has been a Platinum Allied Member of the MLHA for many years. My personal journey started by attending the annual conferences as well as the sales & marketing retreats. Becoming a member of the board has expanded my knowledge. I have enjoyed learning about the hospitality industry in general as well as the local, state and national issues that face this industry. MLHA is instrumental in protecting the hospitality industry. The support for each other is invaluable. It is also opened doors to meeting so many wonderful people. I have enjoyed building relationships that not only benefit our business but me personally. |
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I joined MLHA in 2016 and in that year I attended my first MLHA convention where I was immediately welcomed by the board members and attendees. While attending the sales and marketing retreats, I have met some of my best friends within the hospitality industry. These relationships have been instrumental in helping with questions about the industry, the Montana markets and over all tourism in Montana. MLHA has given me the opportunity to lead the sales and marketing council with the president role and this has been one of the best experiences to be able to sit on the MLHA board and see what an impact the hospitality industry has on Montana. MLHA has been a phenomenal organization to be a member of and I highly recommend Montana based hotels to have their hotel managers join MLHA to take advantage of the specific hotel based trainings and networking with like individuals for opportunities to grow their leaders. |
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