Hospitality and Entertainment

Louisiana boasts a thriving hospitality and entertainment sector, especially in the Greater New Orleans area. Our Hospitality and Entertainment team represents national, regional and local restaurants, bars, clubs, hotels, grocery stores, and other establishments with respect to land use, zoning, commercial real estate transactions, noise ordinances, local enforcement, liquor licensing, federal and state compliance, alcohol permitting, mergers and acquisitions, state and local tax, federal tax, property tax, tax controversy, and intellectual property. We also assist clients in business and entity formation.

We frequently assist clients in finding practical and efficient solutions for commercial and contract disputes, lease disputes, labor and employment issues, shareholder disputes, tax controversy, and other litigation. We regularly appear on behalf of our clients in litigation and administrative proceedings involving boards and commissions in Louisiana.

Representative Experience
  • Representation of numerous New Orleans area restaurants, bars and clubs in land use, noise ordinance, licensing, and general business transactions and contracts
  • Representation of a national liquor distributor in obtaining licenses and permits as part of significant acquisition of a New Orleans-based wine distributor
  • Representation of New Orleans bars, clubs and restaurants before various boards, commissions, and administrative bodies
  • Representation of a national billboard advertising company in land use and zoning disputes
  • Representation of clients in landlord or tenant lease negotiations
  • Leasing and buy-back matters for a national chain of high-end steakhouses
  • Negotiation of naming rights for a major New Orleans sports venue
  • Liquor license applications for clients across the United States
  • Litigation and dispute resolution matters related to complex business and real estate transactions
  • Representation of clients, including multistate and global clients, with respect to federal, state and local taxation and regulatory issues, business planning and formation, Louisiana state entertainment tax credits, estate planning and planned giving, and federal, state and local tax collection matters
  • Representation of a global chain of pizza restaurants in liquor licensing matters in Louisiana
  • Representation of national grocery store and hotel chains in liquor licensing matters
  • Representation of a private Louisiana rum distillery in connection with a multi-year agreement for a global liquor company to become the exclusive national distributor
  • Pro bono representation of the New Orleans chapter of the Hospitality and Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP)
  • Representation of a business owner in a successful challenge to a state regulatory agency’s authority to enforce and issue penalties in support of a governor’s proclamation; obtained a preliminary injunction in district court dismissing the charges and affirmed on appeal