In this issue on the RIW At Your Service Newsletter: Upcoming Industry Events Articles: – Ten Considerations When Negotiating Your Restaurant Construction Contract – Client Alert: Updates Coming to the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission Marketing Corner Industry Trends/News Client News Events & Participation Check out the full At Your Service Newsletter: September 2018 Edition
POSTED IN: Articles & Quotes, At Your Service, Hospitality Practice Group, News
On September 5, 2018 the Massachusetts Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission (ABCC) held an outreach seminar with attorneys and municipal counsel to discuss new rules and procedures covering retail license applications, annual renewals, website updates, and more. Information was provided by Massachusetts State Treasurer Deborah Goldberg and ABCC leadership, including: Commissioner Jean Lorizio, Executive Director Ralph…
POSTED IN: Articles & Quotes, At Your Service, Hospitality Practice Group
Opening a restaurant is an exciting time, but an owner must take care while negotiating the construction contract to protect itself and anticipate the key issues that may arise during the project. Below are ten issues to consider when drafting and negotiating your construction contract. 1. Avoid cost-plus contracts. Cost-plus contracts should be avoided for…
POSTED IN: Articles & Quotes, At Your Service, Hospitality Practice Group, News
On July 1, 2018 the Massachusetts Equal Pay Act (“MEPA”) went into effect, which combats gender-based pay disparities within Massachusetts. The goal of MEPA is to ensure fairness and equity in the workplace while clarifying what constitutes unlawful wage discrimination. With its more liberal application and multiple damages, employers must become aware of the implications…
POSTED IN: Articles & Quotes, Employment Law
RIW employment attorney Dave Robinson quoted in Boston Globe article on Massachusetts’ new pay equity law: Full article.
POSTED IN: Articles & Quotes, Employment Law
On June 28, 2018, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker signed a bill into law (H 4640) that will alter workplace pay and benefits for employers and employees across the state. Below is a synopsis of the bill: Hourly Minimum Wage Increases. Hourly wages will increase progressively from $11 to $15 per hour by 2023. It is estimated…
POSTED IN: Articles & Quotes, Employment Law, Hospitality Practice Group, News
POSTED IN: Articles & Quotes, At Your Service, Hospitality Practice Group, News
There have been several recent developments in the alcoholic beverages industry which affect regulatory oversight, restaurant operations, new liquor licenses, and more. Here is a rundown of the latest developments. Budget Increase Requested for the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission. Massachusetts State Treasurer Deborah Goldberg requested a $3.69MM budget for fiscal 2019, an increase from $2.44MM…
POSTED IN: Articles & Quotes, At Your Service, Hospitality Practice Group, News
If your company has more than five employees with health insurance from Masshealth or Connect Care, you should be aware of new assessments levied by the state. Last week, many employers received a new bill from the Department of Unemployment Assistance (“DUA”), which implemented the first assessments under the supplemental employer medical assistance contribution program (“EMAC”)….
POSTED IN: Articles & Quotes, At Your Service, Employment Law
Business entities that are taxed as partnerships (most limited liability companies that have more than one member are taxed as partnerships), will need to modify their operating agreements this year to address recent changes in the Internal Revenue Code that give extraordinary authority and autonomy to the “Partnership Representative.” For tax years that begin on…
POSTED IN: Articles & Quotes, Tax Law
