hotel law blog
Artificial Intelligence Is Checking Into Your Hotel – Are You Ready?
Bob Braun | September 17, 2024
by Robert Braun, Co-Chair, JMBM Cybersecurity and Privacy Group; Senior Member, JMBM Global Hospitality Group Even though artificial intelligence has been a part of our lexicon for more than seventy years, artificial intelligence remains the latest bright shiny thing. Businesses large and small feel compelled to incorporate artificial intelligence into their company descriptions even with a limited understanding of what artificial intelligence is, or how it could help their business. Hotels and hotel companies are no different; just take a look at the online newsletters and announcements hitting your mailbox; it’s a rare day that a hot...
Website Accessibility Standards Get an Update – What Businesses Should Know
Jim Butler | July 30, 2024
By Jim Butler and the Global Hospitality Group® Hotel Lawyers | Authors of www.HoteLawBlog.com In October 2023, the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines were updated to version 2.2. These updates introduced new requirements for improving web accessibility, such as focus visibility and alternative input methods. For hospitality business owners, understanding and implementing these changes is crucial for ensuring ADA compliance and providing an inclusive online experience for all guests. In the article below, JMBM partner Stuart Tubis explores the key updates in WCAG 2.2 and their importance for businesses. WCAG 2.2: Website Accessibilit...
Hotel Lawyer: New Federal Junk Fee Law – The No Hidden FEES Act of 2023 (HR 6543)
Mark S. Adams | June 14, 2024
By Jim Butler and the Global Hospitality Group® Note: If you are a consumer with a Junk Fee issue, please do NOT contact us! We do not represent consumers against hotels, restaurants, or other business owners. We are part of the fabric of the hospitality industry and are committed to informing, educating, and assisting the industry. We represent business owners, helping them to understand and comply with applicable laws and defending them from consumer charges. HR 6543: The US Congress wants in on Junk Fee regulation for hotels Over the past several weeks, we have written about recent major regulatory developments concerning Junk F...
Pricing Transparency Without Hidden Mandatory Junk Fees. Does This Apply to Restaurants Too?
Mark S. Adams | June 10, 2024
New California proposed law (SB 1524 ) says “No!” Can this be right? By Jim Butler and the Global Hospitality Group® Hotel Lawyers | Authors of www.HotelLawBlog.com Note: If you are a consumer with a Junk Fee issue, please do NOT contact us! We do not represent consumers against hotels, restaurants, or other business owners. We are part of the fabric of the hospitality industry and are committed to informing, educating, and assisting the industry. We represent business owners, helping them to understand and comply with applicable laws and defending them from consumer charges. Pricing transparency without hidden mandatory junk f...
FTC Announces Rule Banning Non-Competes
Michael H. Strub, Jr. | April 25, 2024
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission’s recent decision to ban non-compete agreements marks a pivotal shift in employment regulations nationwide. This rule not only prohibits new agreements but also retroactively impacts existing ones. From its broad definition of “worker” to its exceptions and impending legal challenges, understanding the nuances of this rule is crucial for employers preparing for compliance. JMBM Partner Michael H. Strub, Jr. explains the implications of this landmark decision. FTC Announces Rule Banning Non-Competes by Michael H. Strub, Jr., JMBM’s Litigation Group Employers throughout the country should be aware t...
Meet the Money 2024 Program Launched!
Jim Butler | April 1, 2024
By Jim Butler and the Global Hospitality Group Hotel Lawyers | Authors of www.HotelLawBlog.com The Meet the Money® 2024 program has launched on MeetTheMoney.com, and we’re excited to bring you a conference packed with the experts you want to hear from. Join us in Los Angeles for three days of high-level discussion panels and special industry presentations focused on financing, investment, deal-making, and success in this year’s market. This year’s program will include: Networking opportunities, including a wine mixer and a grand welcome reception Special presentations that provide an overview of the state of the industr...
The Final Check-Out: Bidding Farewell to Undisclosed Mandatory Resort Fees
Mark Adams | December 20, 2023
By Mark Adams, Experienced trial lawyer and a member of JMBM’s Global Hospitality Group® and Chinese Investment Group™ Presently pending in the U.S. Senate is a bipartisan-supported bill that would do the same. These bills join state governments, federal authorities, state attorneys general, and consumer advocacy groups in intensified scrutiny of undisclosed mandatory resort fees included in hotel rates. Additionally, several state attorney generals and consumer groups are targeting hotels that charge undisclosed resort fees. In response to this developing trend, it is imperative for hotel owners to quickly implement full transp...
Hotel Lawyer: Preparing for the Corporate Transparency Act
Jim Butler | November 9, 2023
By Jim Butler and the Global Hospitality Group® Hotel Lawyers | Authors of www.HotelLawBlog.com In 2021, Congress passed the Corporate Transparency Act in order to combat money laundering and other illegal activities. The CTA goes into effect on January 1, 2024, and requires almost all businesses to file a report with FinCEN identifying their beneficial owners. JMBM’s Taxation, Trusts & Estates Department has written the below article detailing the steps businesses should take to prepare for this new law. Preparing for the Corporate Transparency Act Disclosure of Beneficial Ownership Information to FINCEN by JMBM’s Taxation,...