Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association has issued the following statement in response to announcement by Governor Gretchen Whitmer that she will remove capacity restrictions related to COVID-19 on Tuesday June 22, 2021.

“‘The hospitality industry received transcendent news today that will finally move it past 463 days of closure,’ wrote Justin Winslow, President and CEO, ‘capacity restrictions and elevated regulatory scrutiny that forced more than one in six Michigan restaurants to close their doors for good.

‘The challenges ahead remain daunting for many, but this industry is resilient, adaptive and ready to meet this newfound opportunity head on.

‘The MRLA will focus its efforts going forward on sensible workforce solutions that benefit employers and employees alike. We also will advocate for the strategic investment of federal dollars to help restore the hospitality industry to its rightful place as one of opportunity and as an ambassador to all that is Pure Michigan.’