news article archives
What New Overtime Regulations Could Mean to You
The Department of Labor has released proposed revisions to federal overtime laws. Under the proposal, salaried employees earning less than $50,440, or $970 a week, would be eligible for overtime pay, up significantly from the current $23,660, or $455 per week. While final regulations and more importantly salary thresholds are not expected until next year it is clear that these changes will alter the way you do business.
To read the full article, click here.
The Department of Labor has released proposed revisions to federal overtime laws. Under the proposal, salaried employees earning less than $50,440, or $970 a week, would be eligible for overtime pay, up significantly from the current $23,660, or $455 per week. While final regulations and more importantly salary thresholds are not expected until next year it is clear that these changes will alter the way you do business.
To read the full article, click here.
MRA Testifies Against Mandated Scheduling and Elimination of the Tip Wage
At a recent hearing before the Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development, the MRA offered lengthy testimony on a variety of bills pending before the committee.
Among the myriad of bills that were vetted, a few union backed proposals would pose serious hardship for our industry. Click here for the full article.
At a recent hearing before the Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development, the MRA offered lengthy testimony on a variety of bills pending before the committee.
Among the myriad of bills that were vetted, a few union backed proposals would pose serious hardship for our industry. Click here for the full article.
Powdered Alcohol Banned
After Both the House and Senate branches have unanimously voted to implement a state-wide ban on powdered alcohol, known as “Palcohol”, Governor Baker signed a law to prohibit powdered alcohol.
Concerns ranging from underage consumption and potency, to the ease of a consumer of any age concealing the package have been echoed throughout our membership. membership. Numerous Massachusetts operators have stated that the proliferation of powdered alcohol would have a profound impact on our ability to operate responsibly.
After Both the House and Senate branches have unanimously voted to implement a state-wide ban on powdered alcohol, known as “Palcohol”, Governor Baker signed a law to prohibit powdered alcohol.
Concerns ranging from underage consumption and potency, to the ease of a consumer of any age concealing the package have been echoed throughout our membership. membership. Numerous Massachusetts operators have stated that the proliferation of powdered alcohol would have a profound impact on our ability to operate responsibly.
MRA Testifies to Create a Massachusetts Food Donation Tax Credit
The MRA recently offered testimony in support of a MA Food Donation Tax Credit. S.1536 and H. 2617 An act relative to the donation of apparently wholesome food, were both heard by the Joint Committee on Revenue.
While some operators have long standing relationships with food donation programs, there are many restaurants that don't. The high cost of storage, transportation and labor are a serious impediment to forging new relationships and facilitating more restaurant food donation. By creating a tax credit we can help offset some of the costs incurred with setting up one of these partnerships. This legislation if enacted will have a two pronged benefit. The most important is clear, and that is feeding people who need it most. The second impact is a reduction in the amount of food that gets thrown into our trash system.
This is a great opportunity for the legislature to further facilitate the partnership between the restaurant and non-profit communities to come together and help people in need.
The MRA recently offered testimony in support of a MA Food Donation Tax Credit. S.1536 and H. 2617 An act relative to the donation of apparently wholesome food, were both heard by the Joint Committee on Revenue.
While some operators have long standing relationships with food donation programs, there are many restaurants that don't. The high cost of storage, transportation and labor are a serious impediment to forging new relationships and facilitating more restaurant food donation. By creating a tax credit we can help offset some of the costs incurred with setting up one of these partnerships. This legislation if enacted will have a two pronged benefit. The most important is clear, and that is feeding people who need it most. The second impact is a reduction in the amount of food that gets thrown into our trash system.
This is a great opportunity for the legislature to further facilitate the partnership between the restaurant and non-profit communities to come together and help people in need.
Operators Come out in Full Force Against City of Boston Alcohol Tax Proposal
The MRA recently joined with numerous operators to testify against a City of Boston proposal that would add a 1-2% tax on all alcohol transactions within the city. The hearing was the second hearing this year on the proposal.
City Council members heard directly from both large and small operators about the impacts that this tax would have on customer dining habits, the negative effect on employees and ultimately the ability to continue to operate in the City of Boston. The hearing was filled with individuals from the hospitality industry that would be directly impacted by a tax increase.
We do not believe that customers should face a triple tax at the local level for enjoying a legal product. This triple tax would be in addition to taxes already paid at both the Federal and State levels of government. If this were to pass, customers would be paying nearly 10% for the privilege of enjoying a glass of wine or bottle of beer within Boston.
Boston already imposes a local option meals tax which has generated more than $120 million since its enactment and can be used at the city's discretion. The yearly amount collected from this tax has increased more than 40% since it was first put in place a few years ago. If the city believes that attention should be directed at treatment and rehabilitation programs then the monies collected from this fund should be reallocated.
The Commonwealth needs a comprehensive solution to the opiate situation. Raising the tax on glass of wine or a bottle of beer is not going to solve the problem. We will continue to monitor this proposal closely.
The MRA recently joined with numerous operators to testify against a City of Boston proposal that would add a 1-2% tax on all alcohol transactions within the city. The hearing was the second hearing this year on the proposal.
City Council members heard directly from both large and small operators about the impacts that this tax would have on customer dining habits, the negative effect on employees and ultimately the ability to continue to operate in the City of Boston. The hearing was filled with individuals from the hospitality industry that would be directly impacted by a tax increase.
We do not believe that customers should face a triple tax at the local level for enjoying a legal product. This triple tax would be in addition to taxes already paid at both the Federal and State levels of government. If this were to pass, customers would be paying nearly 10% for the privilege of enjoying a glass of wine or bottle of beer within Boston.
Boston already imposes a local option meals tax which has generated more than $120 million since its enactment and can be used at the city's discretion. The yearly amount collected from this tax has increased more than 40% since it was first put in place a few years ago. If the city believes that attention should be directed at treatment and rehabilitation programs then the monies collected from this fund should be reallocated.
The Commonwealth needs a comprehensive solution to the opiate situation. Raising the tax on glass of wine or a bottle of beer is not going to solve the problem. We will continue to monitor this proposal closely.
