News Summary
The Louisiana Restaurant Association (LRA) is responding to rising restaurant closures by advocating for protective legislation. President Stan Harris highlights the importance of community support and unity in the industry, while promoting House Bill 90 to regulate third-party reservation sales. This legislation aims to safeguard local businesses and improve access for diners. The LRA also emphasizes the need for educational initiatives to prepare future restaurant professionals as part of their mission to sustain the hospitality sector in Louisiana.
New Orleans, Louisiana – The Louisiana Restaurant Association (LRA) is taking action in response to the alarming rise in restaurant closures within the state. The association is actively advocating for legislative changes that aim to protect local establishments and encourage community support for the hospitality industry during these tumultuous times.
Recently, LRA President and CEO Stan Harris has brought attention to these pressing issues, underscoring the significance of unity within the restaurant community. With over 30 years of experience in the restaurant sector, including his tenure as CEO of TJM Restaurant Management, Harris has deep insights into the challenges faced by local eateries. The LRA is now urging residents to rally behind local restaurants, emphasizing their role as integral components of the community.
As part of the association’s advocacy efforts, they are promoting House Bill 90, sponsored by Rep. Troy Hebert (R-Lafayette). This bill seeks to impose restrictions on the unauthorized sale of restaurant reservations by third-party platforms. Currently, platforms such as Appointment Trader have come under fire for their controversial practices, which include selling reservation slots for exorbitant prices. For instance, during Super Bowl weekend, the platform charged up to $2,138 for a single reservation. The new legislation would require these companies to secure explicit contracts with restaurants before accepting reservations, aiming to safeguard the business models of traditional online booking platforms like OpenTable and Resy while ensuring legitimate customers have access to dining opportunities.
The proposed legislation comes with penalties for platforms that fail to comply with the new regulations, emphasizing the LRA’s commitment to defending local restaurants against exploitative practices. Harris cautioned that empty tables represent not only lost revenue for restaurants but also missed opportunities for genuine customers seeking to dine in these establishments.
In addition to legislative advocacy, the LRA is dedicated to educational initiatives designed to cultivate future professionals in the restaurant and hospitality industry. A recent highlight is the selection of ProStart students from the W.D. & Mary Baker Smith Career Center to participate in the JumpStart Initiative in Chicago. Such programs are part of the LRA’s broader mission to foster growth and sustainability within the industry.
Harris also serves as the head of the LRA Self Insurer’s Fund (LRA SIF), which provides workers’ compensation coverage to the hospitality sector, addressing payrolls exceeding $875 million annually. His leadership at the LRA includes overseeing various functions, such as government affairs, fiscal responsibilities, and developing programs that benefit the restaurant sector. Moreover, he maintains connections with the National Restaurant Association and holds leadership roles within the National Council of State Liquor Administrators.
Background context reveals that restaurant closures across Louisiana have increased significantly, prompting the LRA to respond urgently. As local restaurants continue to face mounting challenges, including the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and evolving consumer behavior, the need for protective measures has become increasingly apparent. Local establishments are not only vital to the state’s economy but also to its culture and community identity.
The LRA emphasizes the importance of resilience and collaboration among restaurant owners and operators. Through its ongoing advocacy efforts and community initiatives, the association aims to address the obstacles facing restaurants and bolster their ability to thrive despite adversity.
As the legislative session progresses, the LRA remains focused on ensuring the voices of local restaurant owners are heard and that supportive policies are enacted to safeguard the future of the industry. By fostering community engagement and legislative support, the LRA hopes to pave the way for a more stable and prosperous restaurant environment in Louisiana.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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- La Illuminator: Louisiana Lawmakers Look to End Restaurant Reservation Trading
- Wikipedia: Restaurant
- WDSU: Two Popular New Orleans Restaurants Set to Close This Weekend
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Restaurant
- WWLTV: Louisiana Restaurant Association: Fleur du Coeur Supports Bourbon Street Victims
- Google News: Louisiana Restaurant Closures
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