Tao Group Permanently Lays Off 12 Employees in Las Vegas

Restaurant and nightlife behemoth Tao Group tells the Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation that it will permanently lay off 12 employees at its properties on the Las Vegas Strip.

“This layoff is due to unforeseen business circumstances related to the indefinite restrictions on indoor event and gathering spaces in Las Vegas,” general counsel Steven Lugerner writes. Nevada now allows groups of up to 250 or 50 percent of the venue’s occupancy space, whichever is less, in any indoor or outdoor venue on October 1.

Tao Asian Bistro at the Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian lost three floor managers and a kitchen manager. Tao Nightclub laid off two marketing employees. Beauty & Essex at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas let go one kitchen manager. Marquee Nightclub & Dayclub laid off two security personnel, two finance positions, and two marketing staff. And Lavo Italian Restaurant at the Palazzo let go of one kitchen manager.

All of the layoffs took place on September 30, according to letters that are part of the WARN Act, the federal law that requires most employers with 100 or more employees to provide 60 calendar-day advance notification of layoffs. “After reviewing the recent government orders, our staffing and business needs, and the uncertainty as to future operations, we are providing this notice to you at the earliest possible time,” the letters dated October 1 note.

Gov. Steve Sisolak ordered all nonessential businesses to close in March to prevent the spread of COVID-19, and allowed casinos to reopen on June 4. Lavo Italian Restaurant reopened in June with a supper club experience on Sundays and brunch, complete with a patio overlooking the Strip. Beauty & Essex also returned in June, while Marquee Nightclub came back as more of a lounge experience and subdued pool party. Tao Asian Bistro reopened in October with the nightclub becoming more of a lounge experience. Tao Beach already planned to go through a yearlong renovation at the Venetian with plans to relaunch in 2021.

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