Federal Mandate Blocked, Restaurant Week, Committee Sign Up

Federal Appeals Court Temporarily Blocks Biden Administration Vaccine Mandate on the Private Sector 

Please review the following update regarding OSHA’s ETS for COVID-19 in the workplace from the National Restaurant Association.

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Over the weekend, a federal appeals panel in Louisiana temporarily blocked the Biden administration’s new safety regulations directing businesses with more than 100 workers to require their employees to get vaccinations against COVID-19 by early January.

The three-judge panel from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit granted a temporary stay to a group of businesses, religious groups, advocacy organizations and several states that had filed a joint petition in court, arguing the administration had overstepped its authority.

Numerous Republican-led states have filed legal challenges against the new rule, among them Texas, Mississippi, South Carolina and Utah.

The court said in a brief order, signed by a deputy clerk, that the judges were blocking the regulation “because the petitions give cause to believe there are grave statutory and constitutional issues with the Mandate.” It said the rule was suspended “pending further action by this court.”

The two-page order did not elaborate on what the constitutional and statutory problems were with the rule or give any indication of whether the judges agreed with the opponents of the rule. But it directed the Biden administration to respond by 5 p.m. today to the request for a permanent injunction from the groups opposed to the rule.

Seema Nanda, the chief legal officer for the U.S. Department of Labor, said in a statement that the government was confident in its legal authority to issue the emergency temporary standard on vaccination and testing. Ms. Nanda stated “we are fully prepared to defend this standard in court.”

We are tracking this legal development closely and will keep you informed as additional information becomes available.

Now Accepting Applications for IRA Industry Awards

Want to honor an IRA member that goes above and beyond for the community, their employees, and the industry? Nominate your peers for the 2021 IRA Industry Awards today.  

The Sara Rowe ProStart® Company of the Year, Vendor of the Year, and Restaurateur of the Year award winners will be announced at the IRA Annual Meeting held in early 2022.

Please take a moment to nominate your peers for these prestigious honors. Click here to submit nominations by Monday, November 15.

IRA Committee Sign Up for 2022

Looking to get more involved in the IRA? Serving on an IRA committee is an excellent way for members to actively contribute to year-round events, advocacy, training programs, and membership efforts of the Association.

We're looking for volunteers for the Chef's Table, Education, Golf Classic, Government Relations, and Membership Committees in 2022.

Click here to sign up.

Registration Now Live for Chicago Restaurant Week 2022 - Early Bird Discount

Don’t miss the opportunity to participate in the 15th annual Chicago Restaurant Week promotion taking place Friday, March 25 – Sunday, April 10, 2022. Chicago Restaurant Week has a history of generating significant awareness and sales for restaurants, and your participation is welcome.

Early Bird discounted registration is available until Friday, November 19. Regular registration ends January 21, 2022.

This year’s program emphasis will be on dine in, but will also include takeout and delivery options based on current city and state mandates. You must be a partner of Choose Chicago in order to participate.

For more information on Choose Chicago partnership opportunities and Chicago Restaurant Week, please contact partnership@choosechicago.com.

Announcing the IRA's Redesigned Website

The IRA is excited to announce the launch of our newly-redesigned website!

Be sure to visit our website anytime for the latest resources, alerts, certification classes, webinars, special events, and more.

Take One Minute for our Survey on Sanitation Manager Training

The IRA is currently reviewing our sanitation certification class offerings and how we reach industry professionals to provide training. 

Please take one minute to complete our survey for restaurant and hospitality owners, operators, and employees.