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
Latest News The Louisiana Restaurant Association (LRA) proudly celebrates its 80th Anniversary in 2026, marking eight decades of advocacy, education, and leadership on behalf of Louisiana’s vibrant hospitality industry. As the Association looks ahead to the next chapter of service, the LRA announced its 2026 Volunteer Leadership, led by Octavio Mantilla, Co-Founder and Owner of…
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Latest News For more than 31 years, Taste of Mardi Gras has been a beloved tradition in Central Louisiana. Year after year, this event has brought our community together to celebrate incredible food, drinks, and entertainment. None of this would be possible without the continued support of our restaurant and beverage partners, and we are…
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Latest News Congress has delivered a long-awaited victory for restaurants and service-based businesses by ensuring employers receive a dollar-for-dollar tax credit on the FICA taxes paid on employee tips. The LRA and National Restaurant Association worked directly with Speaker Johnson and Majority Leader Scalise to ensure the 45B credit was not used as a “pay…
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