On Tuesday, April 7, Miami partner Alexander Tachmes and Orlando partner Mary Ruth Houston hosted a webinar titled “State of the Hospitality Industry Amid COVID-19.” The presentation provided an update on government relief programs targeted to the hospitality industry as well as new rules and regulations addressing labor and employment issues.
The topics included CARES Act implications for the hotel/hospitality industry; information about the CARES Act loan programs, eligibility requirements and application process; new provisions relating to sick leave and caretaker leave; and basic takeaways from updates to the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, including paid leave entitlements.
About Alexander I. Tachmes
Alexander I. Tachmes is a partner in the Miami office of Shutts & Bowen LLP, where he is Chair of the Land Use and Government Relations Practice Group and a member of the Real Estate Practice Group. Alex is firm-wide Chair of Shutts & Bowen’s COVID-19 Response Team, which is comprised of lawyers from each major practice area affected by the pandemic, including real estate, tax, labor and employment, financial services and creditor’s rights. The Team is responsible for monitoring all legislation and other governmental decisions relating to businesses and COVID-19, including the CARES Act that became law on March 27. Alex has advised multiple clients on the details of obtaining loans under the CARES Act and on the issue of loan forgiveness. Alex has a large hospitality practice in South Florida and, thus, he regularly advises hotels and restaurants as to how best to position themselves to obtain the benefits of the CARES Act.
About Mary Ruth Houston
Mary Ruth Houston is Co-Managing Partner of the Orlando office and Chair of the firm’s Labor & Employment Law Practice Group. A member of the Shutts & Bowen COVID-19 Response Team, she is certified as a mediator in Florida courts and the Middle District of Florida. She was selected as Orlando’s 2020 “Lawyer of the Year” in Litigation – Labor and Employment, by Best Lawyers in America®. Mary Ruth focuses on business and employment-related issues using a problem-solving approach that helps clients concentrate on their core business. With over 30 years of experience handling complex disputes, her understanding of business issues outside the courtroom enables her to advise companies on how to avoid litigation, minimize its effects or, when litigation is required, handle it efficiently and effectively.