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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

An Important Update for Taste of Mardi Gras in 2026

December 22, 2025

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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A Major Win for Restaurants: Congress Extends the 45B FICA Tip Tax Credit

December 9, 2025

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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U.S. Lifts 40% Tariffs on Certain Brazilian Agricultural Goods

November 24, 2025

Latest News President Trump signed an Executive Order removing select Brazilian agricultural products, including coffee and beef, from the 40 percent tariff imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. This change applies only to the specific agricultural goods listed in the updated annex, and all other Brazilian imports such as non-agricultural and industrial items…

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