hotel lawyer
California’s New Junk Fee Law Now Has Worldwide Effect. Here’s What You Need to Know to Avoid Costly Litigation
Jim Butler | July 3, 2024
By Jim Butler and the Global Hospitality Group® Hotel Lawyers | Authors of www.HotelLawBlog.com On July 1, 2024, California’s new Junk Fee Law took effect. It could have worldwide impact if prices for goods or services are publicly advertised and reach California residents. How can you avoid that with online ads and other public broadcasts over commercial media? In anticipation of this event, many international hotel companies, cruise lines, travel providers, ticket sellers, and online sellers have already changed their advertising and promotions to comply with California law rather than risk violation. Watch for a big change to ...
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...
Junk Fees Are Banned in California as of July 1, 2024! What Does the California Junk Fee Law (SB 478) Mean?
Mark Adams | May 13, 2024
By Mark Adams California businesses brace for Senate Bill 478‘s impact. SB 478 was signed by Governor Newsom in October 2023 and became effective July 1, 2024. It cracks down on hidden fees, often referred to as “junk fees” and “drip pricing” (because the full cost is only disclosed drip by drip). It will likely change how businesses approach pricing strategies. Many say it is part of a nationwide response to President Joe Biden’s call to eliminate Junk Fees. What’s in a name? SB 478 or California Junk Fee Law? The confusion starts with how to reference the new law. Many refer to it by the Senate Bill number assigned w...
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 Better Way To Resolve Hotel Contract Disputes: Judicial Reference or Arbitration?
Mark S. Adams | February 27, 2024
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To Brand or Not to Brand
Robert Braun | February 22, 2024
by Robert Braun, Co-Chair, JMBM Cybersecurity and Privacy Group; Senior Member, JMBM Global Hospitality Group While some companies in some industries have a tendency to consolidate and eliminate brands, the hotel industry is different. Most of the leading hotel companies with brands, such as Marriott, Hilton, IHG, Hyatt, and Accor, regularly acquire or create new brands or flags. Today, Marriott has 30 flags, Hilton has 22, IHG has 14, Hyatt has 29, and Accor has 40, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. With so many flags to choose from, it’s easy to overlook another choice – no brand at all. While picking a brand is an obvious ...