Surcharge on Spirits / Local Lodging Tax Increases / National Immigration / Secretary of Labor
Liquor Surcharge Extension Proposed: The Oregon Liquor & Cannabis Commission (OLCC) is considering extending the existing 50-cent surcharge on distilled spirits. The proposed action is a renewal of the "temporary" surcharge of fifty cents that was initiated in the 2009-2011 budget cycle. In June 2023, ORLA helped block an attempt to double the surcharge on distilled spirits, retaining the 50-cent surcharge extended through the 2023-2025 biennium. Submit your comments by March 10 to Laura Paul. County Proposes 50% TLT Increase: The Tillamook County Commissioners are rushing to propose a 50% increase in the transient lodging tax (TLT) be added to the May ballot. The hike increases the TLT from 10% to 15% and could raise costs for your guests, deter bookings, and put the county at a competitive disadvantage compared to neighboring areas. Industry members in the county are encouraged to take action now by attending public hearings and contacting Tillamook County Commissioners to oppose this increase. Tillamook County will hold three public hearings: 2 on January 29, and the final session on February 12 at 10 am. Email Commissioners directly and share your concerns. National Immigration Policy and Actions: Both the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) and the National Restaurant Association (NRA) are ramping up their communications in the early days of the new administration. It appears immigration and the prospect of a more aggressive deportation posture is front and center for these national partners and for us as we work to avoid disruptions to Oregon hospitality businesses. AHLA is preparing comprehensive communications to be coordinated with Partner State Associations in affected states. In the long term, AHLA will continue to advocate for bipartisan progress on immigration reform. What we know is that the hotel industry could potentially be impacted in the following ways: raids at workplaces, ICE agents staying in hotels, and hotels being approached to contract as detention facilities. The National Restaurant Association and the Restaurant Law Center are actively monitoring immigration policy developments to keep the industry informed and prepared. A webinar has been scheduled with a panel of experts from the law firm of Fisher Phillips: Workplace Immigration Law in 2025: What Restaurants Should Expect February 10, 2025, 11:00 am PST | Register here Support of Chavez-DeRemer as U.S. Secretary of Labor: ORLA sent out a press release last week in support of former Congresswoman Lori Chavez-DeRemer. Congresswoman Chavez-DeRemer has a proven track record of supporting restaurant and foodservice operators and employees. Her voting record showcases her desire to protect the path to restaurant ownership for many prospective entrepreneurs. In addition, her support for Department of Labor apprenticeship programs has been noteworthy. The programs give employees opportunities to learn valuable skills as they pursue careers in the industry.
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