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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

Payment Card Settlement Claim Forms Now Available

December 21, 2023

Latest News The Payment Card Settlement is the biggest antitrust class-action settlement in history and sets aside at least $5.54 billion and a maximum of approximately $6.24 billion for millions of U.S. merchants who for years paid artificially inflated Visa and Mastercard interchange fees. Why it matters: If your restaurant accepted Visa and/or Mastercard at any time between January…

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FTC Seeks to Overhaul Restaurant Pricing

October 28, 2023

Latest News The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is proposing significant changes to restaurant pricing, aiming to eliminate mandatory fees and provide recommendations on tipping and credit card charges. The National Restaurant Association (NRA) is closely monitoring, expressing concerns about perceived overreach. The NRA highlights potential impacts on restaurants, questions the FTC’s authority, and emphasizes the…

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Stan Harris: Spearheading Restaurant Advocacy, Shaping Louisiana Politics

October 17, 2023
President and CEO of the Louisiana Restaurant Association seated at a table with water bottles on table. Blue background.

Latest News he following interview was published in LaPolitics on Thursday, October 12, 2023 In a brief Q&A with LaPolitics Weekly’s Jeremy Alford, Stan Harris, President and CEO of the Louisiana Restaurant Association, discusses key industry issues. Covering topics from the proposed U.S. Department of Labor overtime pay threshold to members’ concerns about insurance costs…

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