King County minimum wage proposal🚨

Advertisement

The King County Council is considering an ordinance that would raise the minimum wage to $20.29 in unincorporated areas of the county effective Jan. 1, 2024. If adopted, King County would have the highest minimum wage in the world. The next hearing on this ordinance will be held on Thursday at 9:30 a.m. Go to our newly-launched King County Action Center to learn how you can participate in public comment and share how this proposal would impact your business.

Stop what you're doing: Take the National Restaurant Association operations survey!

Profit margins, labor costs, food cost ratios --> all are ESSENTIAL information for a restaurateur to know. When you take the National Restaurant Association operations survey you gain access to this exclusive industry data.

You will also help to analyze potential impacts of legislative proposals on the industry. Together, let our collective voice be heard by policy makers at all levels!

Any questions? Contact Bruce Grindy at bgrindy@restaurant.org.

Corporate Transparency Act: Beneficial ownership information reporting begins in 2024

The Corporate Transparency Act is a Treasury Department requirement intended to protect against suspicious transactions. In the past it has applied to larger companies or highly regulated industries like banks. Come 2024, smaller businesses will be required to start reporting their ownership information. Read more here.

Certain containers with PFAS banned in May 2024

Starting in May 2024, the following products that have PFAS intentionally added are banned:

Bags and sleeves
Bowls
Flat service ware, including plates and trays
Open-top containers, such as french fry - cartons & food containers
Closed containers, such as clamshells

Harmful joint employer final rule

On Oct. 26, the NLRB issued its final rule expanding the joint-employer standard.

Learn more about:

Joint-employer definition
Implications for the hotel and restaurant industry

Watch the American Hotel and Lodging Association's webinar and the National Restaurant Association's Joint Employer Update with Sean Kennedy.

Hospitality Tech toolkit

Lodging and dining are two of society's oldest types of businesses. At times, it can seem difficult to incorporate tech into longstanding traditions. What many are coming to realize however, is that preparing meals and providing accommodations can greatly benefit from technological advancements.

These innovations can enhance operational efficiency and differentiate businesses in the face of challenging profit margins and workforce issues.

This toolkit offers valuable resources for hospitality operators seeking to explore the potential opportunities in the tech world.

New in 2024 toolkit!

This brand new toolkit features laws or upcoming changes that go into effect in 2024 and beyond. We'll update this page with new information, so make sure to bookmark it and check back for helpful information as the new year approaches.

Toolkit of the Month

Wildfire, Extreme Heat and Snow

Winter is coming and it's vital to be prepared for extreme weather. Spokane has already received some snow! Our extreme weather toolkit includes how to prep for inclement weather and how to protect yourself, employees and customers for the winter months ahead.

Advertisement

Webinars and Podcasts

Live webinar! Rules and regulations surrounding commercial fish documentation

Over the last five years, there have been more than 175 felonies filed with prosecutors for illegal trafficking of fish and shellfish. Learn how to avoid this at 10 a.m., Nov. 15.

Live webinar! Public safety with Seattle Police Chief Adrian Diaz

Join Seattle Police Chief Adrian Diaz to hear tips to keep your business, employees and guests safe at 2 p.m. Nov. 20.

Live webinar! Pitfalls and traps when entering into or extending property leases

Join Sandip Soli at 10 a.m., Nov. 29, to learn about commercial real estate lease provisions, particularly for restaurants and other retail spaces.

Fisher Phillips webinar: Embracing the new Form I-9

The new Form I-9 is available and went into effect Nov. 1. Learn about compliance at the Fisher Phillips webinar at 12 p.m., Dec. 6.

Hospitality Solutions

Employees have options for individual healthcare

Licensed insurance agents will walk employees through all their healthcare options and help them choose the best plan. Plans vary from health insurance and medical to critical illness, hospitalization and dental options.

Don't miss the next big play at the NFL

With NFL Sunday Ticket through DirecTV, your customers can watch any of their favorite teams. Save big with 30% off DirecTV and another 25% off NFL Sunday Ticket. Members have saved thousands of dollars using this direct discount. Restrictions may apply.

Our comprehensive course covers all the basics of First Aid, CPR and Automated External Defibrillator (AED). This course meets OSHA & WISHA requirements for CPR/First-Aid/AED in the workplace.
This course is two hours online and two hours in-person skills session in Olympia at Washington Hospitality Association. Read more here.

2024

Feb. 7
Registration deadline Jan. 24.

ServSafe Manager is ANSI certified and satisfies the new Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) requirement in the state food code that went info effect MARCH 1.