While the new law applies to all employers, it could hit the hospitality sector harder than most. The hotel industry is one that relies heavily on modestly paid middle managers, who are exempt from overtime, to pick up the slack—and extra hours—when called upon.
Only 1 percent of the events booked over the last year at the Indiana Convention Center asked for gender-neutral bathrooms, but hospitality experts say it’s a big and growing issue.
In September 2013, veteran lobbyist Patrick Tamm became president of the Indiana Restaurant & Lodging Association, replacing longtime industry advocate John Livengood. Tamm’s hire came eight months after IRLA was formed by merging the Indiana Hotel & Lodging Association and the Indiana Restaurant Association, both of which Livengood served as president since 1998.
So far, 2013 has been “a roller coaster ride” for Indiana eateries, according the state trade association’s president. Industry observers say a 2-percent increase in the payroll tax is a likely culprit in a nationwide sales decline.
With the consolidation of the Indiana Hotel & Lodging Association and the Indiana Restaurant Association are complete, longtime association leader John Livengood will stepping down
