The Washington State Hospitality Law Manual Announced
Washington State Hospitality Law Manual Announced
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Seattle, WA (October 31, 2012). The Washington Lodging Association (WLA) released the newly-completed Third Edition of the Washington State Hospitality Law Manual at the WLA’s annual convention this month. The 274-page manual contains 28 chapters that cover a comprehensive range of legal and business topics impacting hotels and hotel operations.
The Manual’s Editor-in-Chief and principal contributor is Irvin Sandman of Sandman Savrann PLLC. The completion of the Manual was also assisted by an editorial board Irv formed, composed of six associate editors and contributors from five law firms.
The new Manual is provided to WLA members as a benefit of membership in the association. Sandman Savrann will also provide copies to its clients upon their request.
The WLA published the Manual’s previous edition in 1999. Because much has changed since 1999, both in the law and in how business is conducted, the new Third Edition is a major revision of the Manual. It adds new cases and authorities and analyzes many changes in the law. New sections and chapters include topics such as:
the use of hotel gift cards
working with insurers when lawsuits arise
Washington’s version of the National Food Code
no-smoking laws
updated wage and hour rules
tip pooling
the 2009 Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act
sexual harassment in the workplace
reductions in work force
medical marijuana
antitrust laws and “call arounds”
Washington’s “hotel liquor license,” initiative 1183 and the new scheme for retail sales of spirits
the new ADA Title III laws and rules
the Patriot Act
music copyright issues arising from hotels’ pervasive video screens
new media in hotel marketing
B&O tax issues for hotels
A chapter on hotel ownership matters was also added to give hotel managers an overview of the underlying structural and contractual context within which they operate and are judged.
Sandman Savrann PLLC is devoted to providing comprehensive, first-choice legal counsel to the hospitality industry. The firm’s highly regarded industry counselors lead an interdisciplinary team of professionals to deliver cost-effective, industry-informed counsel for local, regional, national, and international hotel companies. The firm understands the special relationships that exist in the hospitality industry, has extensive contacts within it, and applies these resources with flexibility, loyalty, trust, and integrity to achieve client success. Visit www.sandmansavrann.com.
The Washington Lodging Association (WLA), the state’s only non-profit trade and professional association dedicated to the interests and improvements of Washington’s lodging industry, has championed success for the industry since 1920. Serving owners and operators of properties large and small across Washington – flagged, independent, boutique and historic – WLA serves as the voice of Washington lodging; improves the industry’s business climate; delivers resources, programs and expertise to members; advances the industry with education and networking opportunities; advocates against unfavorable bills and regulation and for sensible laws and rules; and promotes tourism, increasing visits to our state and our members’ properties. Visit www.walodging.org.
