Advocacy
The NHLRA is the only advocate for the hospitality industry in New Hampshire, and we take that responsibility very seriously. By advocating for policies that sustain our industry and reduce the burden of regulation, we ensure the continued success of the hospitality industry in New Hampshire.
The NHLRA retains a full time lobbyist who works closely with the NHLRA President & CEO, Board of Directors, and Government Affairs Committee to develop strategies for opposing potentially harmful legislation and working to see that supportive legislation is passed. We partner with nationwide organizations the National Restaurant Association to ensure our members' interests are represented at the federal level.
The NHLRA retains a full time lobbyist who works closely with the NHLRA President & CEO, Board of Directors, and Government Affairs Committee to develop strategies for opposing potentially harmful legislation and working to see that supportive legislation is passed. We partner with nationwide organizations the National Restaurant Association to ensure our members' interests are represented at the federal level.
2018 Legislative Scorecard
Below are links to the 2018 Legislative Scorecard. Read through to see how New Hampshire Senators and local Representatives are voting on specific industry related issues.
Legislative Wins
- In 2011, NHLRA successfully worked with the Legislature to repeal advertising restrictions for alcoholic drink special prices advertised by restaurants. Alcohol advertising restrictions were also a legacy of prohibition and had long been a problem for restaurateurs. Small business owners were regularly penalized for inadvertent mentions of drink prices or specials in advertising.
- In 2009, NHLRA successfully eased the Strict Liquor Liability standard that had been in place in New Hampshire since prohibition. Under the Strict Liquor Liability standard, it did not matter if you had inadvertently served an intoxicated individual on your premises, you were still responsible for that individual and faced administrative action against your license. NHLRA successfully advocated for a more reasonable standard where there had to be visible signs of intoxication or intent to over-serve an individual before administrative action could be taken on the license.
- Fought to preserve the 3% of rooms and meals tax operators retain by submitting taxes by the 15th of the month.
- Successfully changed legislation to block the DRA from expanding the BET tax to include tips, saving industry members tens of thousands of dollars in taxes each year.
Government Relations Team
Henry Veilleux is a partner of the Sheehan Phinney Capitol Group, a government affairs firm located in Concord, NH. Henry has been lobbying in New Hampshire for 22 years and has been the NHLRA's lobbyist since 1999. He is our eyes and ears in the New Hampshire Legislature and works closely with the Governor's Office and state agencies. Henry prepares our weekly legislative update and provides advice and counsel to the association and members who have issues with state government.
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Mike Somers joined the NHLRA team in November of 2008, bringing with him a background in restaurants and the wine and spirits industry. Mike is the President & CEO and oversees the day-to-day operations of the association, coordinates legislative efforts with Henry Veilleux, serves on a number of boards and commissions, and delivers the long term goals and objectives of the association as determined by the Board of Directors.
Mike may be reached via e-mail at msomers@nhlra.com or by telephone at 603-228-9585 ext 17. |
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