M&R 2014 Food & Beverage Hot Topics Seminar, Panel 1

Michelman & Robinson’s Food & Beverage Hot Topics seminar took place on October 13, 2014, at a private club in Santa Monica. Hosted by M&R's Hospitality Industry Affinity Group, this unique event provided two panels of discussion on Growth Planning for Restaurant Businesses, followed by a cocktail reception overlooking the ocean at sunset. This video segment includes the entire first panel, which included the following presentations: An introduction by M&R Partner, David Samuels; “Multi-Unit Growth, Corporate Structuring,” presented by attorney Jordan Bernstein; “Lease Negotiation with Sophisticated Landlords,” presented by attorney Imran Hayat, and “Financial Planning and Accounting for Multiple Properties,” presented by Elissa Phillips, CEO of Mise En Place Restaurant Services, Inc.

M&R 2014 Food & Beverage Hot Topics Seminar, Panel 2

Michelman & Robinson’s Food & Beverage Hot Topics seminar took place on October 13, 2014, at a private club in Santa Monica. Hosted by M&R's Hospitality Industry Affinity Group, this unique event provided two panels of discussion on Growth Planning for Restaurant Businesses, followed by a cocktail reception overlooking the ocean at sunset. This video segment includes the entire second panel, which included the following presentations: “Avoiding Common Employment Pitfalls and Implementing Practical Policies,” presented by M&R attorney Taylor Burras, and General Counsel, VP, and Corporate Secretary of Moose Restaurant Group, Michael Linley; “Increased Insurance to Protect Against Increased Liability,” presented by Insurance and Risk Consultant at Peterson Milaney Insurance, Corbin Wade; and “Employment Issues Making Headlines: From Apprenticeships to Uniforms,” presented by M&R attorney Lara Shortz.

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Insurance Adjusters Seek Approval for Use of Drones

With such a long line of people metaphorically standing outside the doors of the Federal Aviation Administration (“FAA”), you would think it was opening night at Los Angeles’ newest nightclub. Instead, it is representatives from different industries trying to get the FAA’s approval for the use of drones in their respective fields. One of the most recent activists seeking authorization of drone use is the insurance company, United Services Automobile Association (“USAA”). (Read more)

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Emergency Drought Order could Impact Your Restaurant

On October 14, 2014, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti issued Executive Order 5 to address the drought and the city’s use of imported water. (Read More)

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California Supreme Court Denies Petition for Review in Children’s Hospital Case

In a potential windfall for payers, on October 15, 2014, the California Supreme Court denied Children’s Hospital’s petition for review (and depublication) of the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeal’s published decision in Children’s Hospital v. Blue Cross of California.  (Read more)

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Government Releases FAQs on Reference Pricing and Network Adequacy in Group Plans

In an attempt to regulate group health plans under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), the Department of Labor, and Health and Human Services (DOL/HHS)has issued a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) offering guidance on the use of reference pricing in employer health plans. In issuing the list, the government is ensuring that health insurance companies are using reasonable efforts such that large groups will have sufficient access to quality providers. When evaluating the health plans, the government will be considering an account provider’s availability and geography. Payers need to be sure there are enough providers accepting reference prices available to customers. For out of network emergency services, DOL/HHS says that it would not be reasonable for health insurance companies to try to limit, or exclude, cost sharing when calculating maximum out of pocket expenditures by individuals.  (To View the FAQs, click here)

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Will California see Restrictions on the Use of "Affinity Group" Auto Insurance Ratings?

The California Department of Insurance is engaged in a program to reexamine the use of “affinity group” rating in auto insurance policies. 

Under California’s Proposition 103 insurance price control law, insurance rates must be approved by the Department of Insurance before they can be used in the market. The laws governing auto insurance rates are particularly restrictive, requiring rates to be based upon legally-defined factors. (Read more)

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Decision in Beacon May Adversely Impact Builders and Developers

The most populous state in the U.S., California has spent the past 25 years mired in construction defect litigation. This can largely be attributed to the proliferation of widespread residential development projects initiated to meet growing housing demands. It’s no surprise, then, that the Golden State has emerged as a trendsetter in the areas of construction insurance, liability analysis, and right to repair laws, as they relate to design professionals, contractors, builders and developers.

Growth Planning for Restaurant Businesses

David Samuels moderated the recent Michelman & Robinson Food & Beverage Hot Topics seminar that took place on October 13, 2014, at a private club in Santa Monica. Hosted by M&R's Hospitality Industry Affinity Group, this unique event provided two panels of discussion on Growth Planning for Restaurant Businesses, followed by a sunset cocktail reception overlooking the ocean. In this video segment, David explains how the Hospitality Industry Affinity Group is structured to provide superior service to M&R clients.

Lease Negotiation with Sophisticated Landlords

Imran Hayat presented on “Lease Negotiation with Sophisticated Landlords” at the recent Michelman & Robinson Food & Beverage Hot Topics seminar that took place on October 13, 2014, at a private club in Santa Monica. Hosted by M&R's Hospitality Industry Affinity Group, this unique event provided two panels of discussion on Growth Planning for Restaurant Businesses, followed by a sunset cocktail reception overlooking the ocean. In this video segment, Imran discusses the importance of understanding and negotiating the use clause in commercial lease agreements.