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LRA Advocacy

Protecting the Restaurant and Hospitality Industry

The Louisiana Restaurant Association (LRA) has significantly strengthened its Advocacy Team over the last decade to effectively navigate the complex and highly regulated environment in which restaurants operate. Our Advocacy efforts extend beyond the walls of any single establishment, focusing on the broader climate that impacts the restaurant and hospitality industries.

Restaurants often find themselves at the center of regulatory attention, targeted for increases in taxes, fees, labor, insurance, and other regulatory burdens. The LRA Advocacy Team actively engages with lawmakers and policymakers, educating them on the unique business model of restaurants and ensuring that the industry is fairly represented. Our team works year-round to prevent harmful legislation, support beneficial policies, and secure positive outcomes for our members.

Explore the highlights of our recent legislative successes and understand how the LRA Advocacy Team continues to be the voice of Louisiana's restaurants.

1. Legislative Wins

  • Successfully shapes legislation to protect and advance the restaurant and hospitality industry.
  • Team works year-round to block harmful bills and support beneficial policies.
  • Secures favorable outcomes for LRA members.
  • Defeats restrictive regulations and promoted fair laws supporting business growth.
  • Demostrates the LRA's commitment to representing Louisiana’s restaurants at the state Capitol.

2. Policy Education

  • Educates policymakers on the unique challenges of the restaurant industry is central to LRA’s advocacy.
  • LRA provides government officials and regulators insight into the restaurant business model.
  • Addresses misconceptions and prevents unintended consequences of well-intentioned policies.
  • LRA shapes a regulatory environment that supports the success of restaurants.

3. Targeted Advocacy

  • LRA focuses on opposing mandates and ensuring regulatory fairness.
  • The Advocacy Team seeks collaboration to develop solutions for the restaurant industry.
  • Ensures regulations are fair, clear, and aligned with industry realities.
  • LRA's targeted advocacy creates a more favorable business climate for members.

Advocacy News

Tariff Pause Offers a Brief Reprieve

April 14, 2025
A person in a blue suit and red tie sits at a table with papers, gesturing with hands outstretched. An American flag and a flag with an eagle emblem are in the background.

Latest News President Trump has announced a 90-day pause on broad-based tariffs, while simultaneously increasing tariffs on Chinese imports. For the restaurant and hospitality industry, this temporary delay does not mean we’re in the clear. If anything, it introduces more uncertainty into an already volatile economic environment. Uncertainty Is the Real Threat The biggest challenge…

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Crawfish of Connectivity: Strength in Numbers, Power in Advocacy

April 9, 2025

Latest News Just like a crawfish boil brings people together, the Louisiana Restaurant Association (LRA) and the National Restaurant Association (NRA) create a network of support, advocacy, and resources that strengthen Louisiana’s restaurant industry at every level-local, state, and national. A recent survey of restaurateurs nationwide by the NRA revealed that LRA members are more…

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Think Non-Profits Don’t Pay Sales Tax? Think Again!

April 4, 2025
Wooden gavel and calculator on a tax form.

Latest News At the Louisiana Restaurant Association, we frequently receive questions from our members regarding sales tax exemptions for non-profit organizations. Many assume that being a “tax-exempt” organization automatically means exemption from all taxes, but that is not the case. This clarification comes from the Louisiana Department of Revenue Attorney, Tax Policy and Planning, and…

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