Updates from the Governor and City of Cape

Good morning Cape Chamber restaurants, bars, hotels, and motels,

We have a few updates to share relevant to your industries. Please review the below information and let us know what questions we can answer…

On Saturday, March 21, Missouri Governor Parsons issued an order effective March 23, 2020, 12:01 a.m., prohibiting dining-in at restaurants.  Drive-thru, pick-up and delivery service at restaurants is all that will be allowed until April 6th, unless the order is extended past that date.  

In an effort to assist the local businesses during this difficult time, the City has implemented the following processes relating to the hotel/motel/restaurant monthly tax filings and liquor licensing.

Hotel/Motel/Restaurant Tax Filings:

Per City Code Section 15-400, hotels, motels, and restaurants are required to submit their monthly tax filing and payment by the 20th of each month.  We ask that businesses continue to submit the proper filing by the 20th of each month noting the amount due.  However, payments for the taxes due will be delayed 90 days.  This is in effect for all payments due in March, April, and May of 2020.  No penalties will be assessed for these three months.  

Liquor License Requirements:

Retail Liquor By the Drink License:
Businesses that possess a “Retail Liquor By The Drink” license are permitted to sell liquor in the original package, including liquor with an alcoholic content of 5% or less by weight in the original package.  The original package must not be opened or consumed on the premise.  Therefore, businesses with this type of license are permitted to sell packaged liquor for pickup by the customer or delivery by the business.   

5% Liquor by the Drink License:
By current State Law and City Ordinance, businesses that possess a “5% Liquor By The Drink” license are permitted to sell alcohol with content of not more than 5% by weight in the original package for consumption on the premises only, which would prohibit the sale of this liquor for pickup or delivery.  Currently, there are approximately 20 businesses in the City of Cape Girardeau who possess this license.  These businesses that wish to sell package liquor for pickup, and currently possess a valid liquor and business license, may apply for a temporary Retail Liquor by the Drink License for a period ending June 30, 2020.  The City will waive all application fees and inspections.  This will allow those businesses to sell their packaged liquor.

As is currently required by State Law and City Ordinance, it is the responsibility of the business owner to verify, by valid identification, that the purchaser is twenty-one years of age or older before alcohol is sold and/or distributed.  

Governor Parson Signs Executive Order 2-05 Allowing Sale of Unprepared Foods by Restaurants

Additionally, you may have seen Governor Mike Parson signed Executive Order 20-05 ordering the suspension of any prohibition on the sale of unprepared food by restaurants to the public. The full release from the Governor’s office is available here. 

That’s all for now! As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please reach out. We will continue to update our members as we become aware of information.

Thanks,
Taylor

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Taylor Laws 
Marketing and Communications Specialist, Cape Chamber 
Office: 573.335.3312 | Cell: 636.696.6501
tlaws@capechamber.com

https://www.keepcapestrong.com/