Hahn Directs Assistance to Breweries Still Restricted by County Health Orders

New grant program would help breweries and other small businesses that are closed under County Health Orders despite being allowed to open by the State.

Los Angeles, CA–  Today, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved a new $10 million grant program requested by Supervisor Janice Hahn to help breweries and other small businesses that have remained closed or restricted by LA County health officer orders despite being allowed to open under the State’s health order.

“I have heard from so many local breweries that are struggling to stay in business while following the County’s health order,” said Supervisor Hahn. “With our case numbers on the decline, I am hopeful it will be safe for them to fully reopen soon. But in the meantime, I want to get them the lifeline they need to make it through this crisis.”

Although breweries in Tier 1 counties have been allowed to open under the State’s health order if they can partner with a food service, Los Angeles County’s health officer order has kept many local breweries that do not qualify as restaurants closed for on-site service to slow the spread of the virus.

The new grant program requested by Supervisor Hahn is included in a supplemental coronavirus relief fund spending plan being considered by the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday. The funding comes from Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act funding allocated to Los Angeles County by the federal government.

Small businesses that have remained closed or faced substantial operating restrictions due to health officer orders will be eligible for the grant. Priority will be given to those small businesses subject to LA County health officer order restrictions that are more stringent than those required by State health officer order, such as breweries. These small businesses also include: wineries, family entertainment centers, and card rooms.

Information about how to apply for the grant will be forthcoming through the office of Supervisor Hahn and the LA County Development Authority.