Contact: FRLA Communications
Tallahassee – Today, Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, released the following statement in response to state and national media reports questioning the safety of patronizing hotels and restaurants during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Across the nation and here in Florida, there has been an increase in reported COVID-19 cases; however, media reports that reference updated CDC guidelines have made unfair and irresponsible allegations about the safety of hotels and restaurants. There is no data to support these allegations, which can cause unnecessary panic. Florida’s hospitality industry has always had stringent guidelines for sanitation and safety and have significantly increased those standards and processes since the beginning of COVID. This pandemic has decimated our industry, whose members are trying to safely operate, welcome guests, and rebuild their livelihoods. To falsely point fingers and release hyperbolic assertions at a time when we are fighting tooth and nail to survive is shameful. Our community businesses need our support now more than ever.”
About FRLA: The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) is Florida’s premier non-profit hospitality industry trade association. Founded in 1946 as the Florida Restaurant Association, FRLA merged with the Florida Hotel and Motel Association in 2006. FRLA’s more than 10,000 members include independent hoteliers and restaurateurs, household name franchises, theme parks and suppliers. The association’s mission is to protect, educate and promote Florida’s $111.7 billion hospitality industry which represents 1.5 million employees. Dedicated to safeguarding the needs of the membership, FRLA provides legislative advocacy to ensure the voices of its members are heard and their interests are protected. The association offers regulatory compliance and food safety training through SafeStaff® and FRLA’s subsidiary, RCS Training. The FRLA Educational Foundation provides industry-developed, career-building high school programs throughout the state.
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