Advocacy

Every day, decisions are made at the Colorado State Capitol in Denver that can change the way local restaurant operators do business. As an owner/operator, you don’t have time to monitor every debate, discussion, and proposal that develops in the State Legislature. The CRA invests that time for you.

While you are busy building and running a profitable business, our Government Affairs team, which includes experienced lobbyists, is promoting and protecting your interests, influencing the legislative decisions that ultimately determine your success.

CRA membership gives you access to insider legislative updates and includes your voice as part of the leading restaurant advocacy organization in Colorado.

Advocacy is…

Educating lawmakers about what issues are important to you and your business.
Sharing your story with elected officials to help them understand how the policy they create affects restaurateurs.
Using your voice to influence change in the restaurant community.

Top 2023 CRA Wins

Restrictive Scheduling Defeated

We fought fiercely to defeat HB23-1118, a one-of-a-kind restrictive scheduling bill that would have dramatically changed scheduling laws in the restaurant industry, costing restaurants thousands of dollars a year and opening them up to even more costly litigation. The voices of both CRA member restaurants and their employees, who were concerned that the restrictions would reduce scheduling flexibility and hours, helped legislators understand the negative impact the bill would have.

Prevented Burdensome Mandates on Restaurants

We worked with the sponsors of legislation aimed at products misrepresented as compostable to ensure that restaurants that are not manufacturing these products aren’t burdened with penalties when the products are labeled incorrectly.

Stopped Unprecedented Changes to Workers’ Compensation Laws

We worked closely with a large part of the business community to prevent a law from being introduced that would have completely changed worker’s compensation law and would have had an unknown effect on premium rates for businesses.

Learn more about 2023 Colorado Law Updates

Why is Advocacy Important?

The CRA is the voice of Colorado’s restaurant industry, and even though our Government Affairs team works tirelessly to advocate on your behalf, we still need your help.

Lawmakers want to hear feedback directly from their constituents to help craft policy that reflects the needs of their community.
Legislators need you to educate them on what it takes to operate a restaurant.
They need to see that there are real people who are struggling every day to keep up with Colorado’s growing list of mandates, regulations, and pressures.

Learn how you can get involved

Contribute to HOSTPAC (supporting candidates)

Contribute to HIPAC (supporting issues)

Top 2023 CRA Priorities

Continuing to facilitate a strong restaurant recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic
Limiting any proposed business regulations that could hinder recovery and restaurant growth in Colorado
Continuing expanded outdoor dining as a seasonal allowance
Fixing the tip credit (tip offset) to allow for better pay equity in restaurants

Legislative Priorities

Learn about our advocacy goals and track current industry-related legislation.

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Action Center

Make an impact by adding your voice to the CRA’s periodic grassroots campaigns.

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Get Involved

Support and influence our advocacy work on behalf of restaurants, and learn how to communicate effectively with representatives at all levels of government.

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