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 Act 751, which takes effect Saturday, August 1, prohibits a restaurant or any merchant from imposing any surcharge on a transaction processed as a debit card. The Act defines a surcharge as “any additional amount of money” imposed on the customer who uses a debit card and expressly provides that a restaurant or…
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Latest News The Louisiana Restaurant Association (LRA) recognized outstanding leaders in Louisiana’s hospitality industry during the 2026 LRA Awards Ceremony at the 73rd LRA Showcase, held as part of the Association’s 80th Anniversary celebration. The LRA’s highest honor, Restaurateurs of the Year, was presented to Donald Link and Stephen Stryjewski for their exceptional leadership, nationally…
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Latest News The Louisiana Restaurant Association (LRA) is proud to partner with New Orleans & Company to welcome two of the world’s most prestigious culinary competitions-the Bocuse d’Or Americas and the Pastry World Cup Americas-to New Orleans as part of the 2026 LRA Showcase. On Saturday, July 25, attendees can experience the Pastry World Cup…
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