We’re at severe risk of mass closure of restaurants, bars, and cafes due to #COVID19 social distancing requirements - i.e., reduced capacity - as these businesses reopen. We can’t let that happen. These businesses play an essential role in our economy and our neighborhoods’ vibrancy, and we must take steps to give them a fighting chance to survive. That’s why I’m introducing legislation, #SB939, to avoid these mass closures and give our hospitality businesses that fighting chance. SB 939, in addition to creating a commercial eviction moratorium for businesses and nonprofits, creates space for hospitality businesses to renegotiate their rent where their capacity has been slashed due to social distancing and the rent no longer corresponds to their mandated business model. If a landlord and hospitality business aren’t able to renegotiate rent to reflect mandated reduced capacity, SB 939 allows the business to terminate the lease. Otherwise, the business will be stuck in an unsustainable lease or close down, be sued, and the owner driven into personal bankruptcy (since these leases usually include a personal guarantee by the owner). SB 939’s goal isn’t lease termination but rather to encourage - and create strong space and incentives for - renegotiated rents to reflect the reality that restaurants, bars, and cafes will have mandated reduced capacity as we move through this pandemic. We want these business to survive. It’s in all of our interest, including the landlords. COVID-19 is an emergency for so many in our community. It’s an emergency for our small businesses. We need to support them and create space for them to survive. SB 939 will help. (at California State Capitol) https://www.instagram.com/p/CALMXCCBWa3/?igshid=13x9to3abqzzp