In order to ensure restaurants are opening as safely as possible, Orange County officials created the SafeDineOC campaign which will distribute $1,000 grants to restaurants, as an incentive to following public health guidelines.

As restaurants in Irvine continue to struggle, the new SafeDineOC campaign will help cover financial costs for purchasing PPE, along with funding other protocols needed to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in Orange County.

On August 6, the Orange County Business Council and the Orange County Board of Supervisors announced the new SafeDineOC campaign, which will dedicate $10 million of Federal CARES Act funding, at the direction of the Orange County Board of Supervisors.

While the program is sponsored by the county of Orange, the Irvine-based Orange County Business Council will oversee the application and grant distribution process.

Restaurant owners can apply for the $1,000 grant in a three-step application process, via the Orange County Business Council website.

Orange County Business Council President Lucy Dunn said it’s important that every one feels safe – including essential workers.

“We all want to visit OC restaurants and feel safe,” Dunn said. “The Board of Supervisors created a great program to reward restaurants that follow health protocols for today’s outdoor dining as well as preparing for future dine-in service when the time comes. OCBC commends the Board of Supervisors for their response. Innovative ideas and solutions like SafeDineOC ensure Orange County will remain on a path toward both good health and economic recovery.”

SafeDineOC grants will be distributed within 45 days for all purchases made between March 1 through September 30.

The pandemic has taken a heavy toll on the restaurant industry. Due to state-mandated closures, restaurants everywhere are facing trying times.

As the city of Irvine adjusts to a new normal, the city is offering several outdoor dining options at the Irvine Spectrum Center and a number of other retail centers through Irvine’s Dine Al Fresco program.

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