New York state's restaurant industry applauded Governor Andrew Cuomo's decision on Friday to delay fines for late sales tax payments as their businesses remain open only for take-out orders amid the coronavirus pandemic.

“We can’t thank Governor Cuomo and state officials enough for forgiving interest and penalties on late sales tax payments," said Melissa Fleischut, the president and CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association. 

Cuomo's top budget aide, Robert Mujica, said the move delays both fines as well as interest payments — a move that could allow some businesses to stay afloat amid the crisis. 

"For some restaurants, this little bit of breathing room could mean the difference between paying employees and shutting their doors forever," Fleischut said. "That being said, this relief is temporary, and we’ll continue to advocate for additional ways to help restaurants survive during this crisis.”

Still, Cuomo acknowledged the pandemic has put New York into a deep budget hole. The nation's governors are requesting a bailout of $150 billion from the federal government.