AKRON, Ohio — Akron City Council has launched a program incentivizing bars and restaurants to keep people safe from COVID-19.
Establishments that complete all the requirements of the new Akron Safe Pledge Program can receive up to $2,500, the city said in a release.
“As the COVID-19 virus continues to evolve and cases are on the rise again, we proactively support our local food establishments in providing safe environments and remaining open for business,” said Council President Margo Sommerville.
To participate, businesses must attend workplace training by Summit County Public Health and complete a COVID-19 safety checklist.
“The Akron Safe Pledge is a by-product of a public-private collaboration and designed to be easy for the business community to take part in,” said At-large Councilman Jeff Fusco.
To be eligible, a business must be located within Akron city limits and employ between three and 40 workers, the city said. Staff can include the owner and both full- and part-time employees, as well as contract workers.
Excluded establishment include franchise restaurants and those in the gambling, cannabis or adult entertainment industries, the city said.
The program, funded through American Rescue Plan Act money, will disperse awards to 100 businesses on a first-come-first-served basis, the city said.
Bars and restaurants will receive a certificate of completion to alert patrons the business has completed the program, Fusco said.
The application period opens Monday, Jan. 2. Businesses should begin the process by submitting an application through City Council’s online portal.
