“While I am happy that the Governor announced an increase in restaurant capacity throughout the state, why can’t it go into effect sooner? If it’s safe for 75% capacity (or 50% in New York City) on the 19^th, I don’t see why it wouldn't be safe on the 17th. St. Patrick’s Day is usually a profitable day for so many restaurants, and although it may look different this year, we need to help these business owners make the best of a bad situation. I have faith that restaurants owners and patrons can continue to follow the safety guidelines which have been working to prevent the spread of COVID-19.I strongly urge Governor Cuomo to implement the increased capacity limit just two days sooner - doing so would be a lifeline to the struggling industry.”

Since taking office in January, Gandolfo has been in constant communication with local restaurants in the 7^th Assembly District, working to find them support in a continually ravaged COVID economy. “We cannot continue to abandon them any longer. These entrepreneurs and their families deserve our faith that they can comply and behave responsibly,” Gandolfo concluded.