By: John Koziol, Union Leader

BRETTON WOODS -- As it gets ready to celebrate a century of service, the 800-plus member New Hampshire Lodging and Restaurant Association is in a good place, says President and CEO Mike Somers, with a “food revolution” in Portsmouth, a booming statewide craft brewery scene, and a continued focus and expansion of sustainability and farm-to-table everything.
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Founded in 1919, the NHLRA will commemorate that anniversary on Nov. 4 at the Omni Mount Washington Resort during its annual dinner, which will feature the presentation of its Stars of the Industry awards.
The gala will include a state-of-the-association address that Somers said will be mostly positive, despite the ongoing challenge for some members to hire and retain employees, he said in a recent interview.

By: John Koziol, Union Leader

BRETTON WOODS -- When the New Hampshire Lodging and Restaurant Association convenes Nov. 4 at the Omni Mount Washington Hotel for its 100th annual meeting, it will honor new and veteran head chefs as well as behind-the-scenes folk.

​“Each year I am so impressed and humbled by our Stars of the Industry Award winners and this year is no exception,” said NHLRA President and CEO Mike Somers. “Their passion and dedication, both to their customers and to their careers, have had such a positive impact on their peers and communities.”
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Here are the recipients:

By: Hadley Barndollar, Seacoastonline.com

PORTSMOUTH -- Any city restaurant that currently allows dogs on its premises is operating out of compliance with state and local code, according to the city’s health officer.
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Per state regulations, adopted from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Food Code, only service animals are allowed in food establishments or on their premises, defined as the physical facility, contents and property -- including outdoor dining areas.
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Restaurants wishing to have dogs on their patios or decks must apply for a variance, but as of last week, Portsmouth Health Officer Kim McNamara said, no variances have been approved.