The question of how to balance the desire to return seemingly healthy employees to the workplace with concerns about the safety and welfare of other employees and customers continues to plague employers as the COVID-19 pandemic persists. While there is no "one size fits all" answer to this question, there are resources and best practices that hotel owners and operations can utilize to reduce their risk. Ronald Schirtzer and Steven Gonzalez of Weinberg Wheeler Hudgins Gunn & Dial offer their insight. READ MORE

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic arrived in the United States, the Trump administration immigration policies contributed to steep labor shortages in the hospitality industry. As a result of the pandemic, President Trump has since raised additional barriers that make it more challenging for hotels to employ foreign nationals, who make up a substantial portion of U.S-based hotel workers. READ MORE

Does COVID-19 (coronavirus) afford hospitality industry operators relief from their contractual obligations? Hospitality industry operators are feeling the impact of coronavirus. The question may arise as to whether the coronavirus affords hospitality industry operators relief from their contractual obligations. In some cases, those contractual obligations may have arose months or years before coronavirus. Unfortunately, there is no definitive answer for all hospitality industry operators and, thus, hospitality industry operators should consider taking steps to examine their options, including but not limited to, the steps set forth below. READ MORE

After an unprecedented 2020, many are wondering when the COVID-19 pandemic will finally be over. With recent announcements of potentially viable COVID-19 vaccines, there may be light at the end of the tunnel. However, a post-pandemic "normal" for hotel employers could include questions about mandatory vaccination policies. This article provides an overview of the issues surrounding vaccination of employees that hotel employers will need to think about next year. READ MORE

The polarization of our country and the recent Presidential Election has left hotel and lodging industry employers facing a conundrum as to how they may keep employee political, cultural and social rhetoric out of the workplace environment. This article explores the speech rights of hotel and lodging employees and the extent to which employers may limit such employees' speech. READ MORE

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, consumers have changed how they purchase products more extensively utilizing on-line ordering and home delivery. In response, restaurants and bars have pivoted to expand their businesses in this direction. To help struggling on-premise businesses, numerous states have temporarily or permanently relaxed restrictions on alcohol beverage sales making it easier for bars and restaurants to make this pivot. READ MORE

The US Supreme Court recently ruled that the domain Booking.com is capable of functioning as a trademark. Over the objections of the United States Patent & Trademark Office, the decision opens the door to other generic.com domain holders seeking Federal trademark protection of otherwise potentially generic brand names. The ruling shows how powerful consumer brand perception can be in obtaining trademark rights. READ MORE

COVID-19 has caused significant disruption to immigration and travel into the United States, and in turn has had a profound effect on the hospitality industry. While the challenges are daunting, by changing current immigration policies and implementing new safety guidelines, we can re-energize travel for business and tourism and resurrect the industry. READ MORE

The COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped the hospitality landscape, and its effects on the industry are far from concluded. Diligent market participants can be poised to navigate this uncertainty and stand to reap substantial returns when the sector rebounds. The allure of these healthy future returns, however, should not give way to lax diligence, and a skeptical and thorough diligence process is critical to ensuring that stakeholders are best positioned to weather the current upheaval and benefit from future market upswings. READ MORE

Liability waivers and limitation forms are commonly used by recreational facilities and tour companies, due in large part to the risks inherent in the use of recreational equipment and engaging in adventure tourism. Hotels and resorts are forced to balance the desire to offer guests amenities with the potential liability exposure created by providing access to the equipment involved. Howard Russell, office managing partner at Weinberg Wheeler Hudgins Gunn & Dial, provides factors for hotels and resorts to consider when developing or using waiver forms, sign-in sheets or liability limitation clauses. READ MORE