April 26, 2026 to May 02, 2026

This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly digest of regulatory developments, legislative discussions and other government-related news concerning hotels, restaurants, casinos, gaming operations, event and sports venues, cruise lines, theme parks, ski resorts, outdoor spaces, RV and caravan parks, and all hospitality, travel and tourism professionals. Once a week, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

Want to track GR news in adjacent industries related? Don’t miss this week’s updates in Arts & Culture. Also consider subscribing to our Hospitality & Retail - Ottawa edition covering critical GR news north of the border.

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🇺🇸 Federal Government News
• 📜 Legislative Updates
• 🗺️ State Government News
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Federal Government News

FDA Submits HACCP Recordkeeping Burden Estimate for Juice Processing to OMB

The Food and Drug Administration submitted a proposed information collection concerning Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) procedures for juice processors to the Office of Management and Budget for review. The HACCP system is mandated under 21 CFR Part 120 and is designed for the prevention of food safety hazards during processing and importing of fruit and vegetable juices. Processors must document HACCP plans, monitor control points, and maintain compliance records under section 402(a)(4) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. The FDA verifies compliance during inspections, with possible enforcement actions for non-compliance. Estimated annual recordkeeping across industry stakeholders is 461,426 hours. No public comments were received during the 60-day notice period, and the FDA’s burden estimate remains unchanged from the prior approval.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

CEQ Permitting Innovators Call for Solutions Opens to Industry Partners

The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), alongside NASA’s Center of Excellence for Collaborative Innovation, opened the Permitting Innovators Call for Solutions to modernize federal permitting processes. The submission period runs until June 2, 2026; top solutions will be showcased at the Permitting Innovators Expo in Washington, D.C., in July. CEQ Chairman Katherine Scarlett stated the aim is to update environmental review workflows and permitting with advancements such as business process modernization, workflow automation, and digital-first documentation. With up to 50 solutions to be highlighted, the program impacts sectors including infrastructure and tourism. An informational webinar will occur May 14. Details are available at permittinginnovators.com.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Legislative Updates

Bill H.R. 8510: To require third-party delivery platforms to follow certain pricing practices

H.R. 8510 was introduced to mandate that third-party delivery platforms adhere to specific pricing practices. The bill was referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. Key provisions may influence online food ordering and delivery pricing structures for hospitality and restaurant operators.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Bill S. 4401: To require third-party delivery platforms to follow certain pricing practices

S. 4401 aims to set requirements on pricing practices for third-party delivery platforms. The bill was read twice in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. The proposed regulations could affect relationships between delivery providers and restaurants, as well as consumer pricing.

Sources: www.congress.gov

State Government News

New York Awards Aquaculture Grants Through Blue Food Transformation Initiative

Governor Hochul announced $3 million has been awarded to 14 businesses under the Long Island Aquaculture Infrastructure Grant Program, supporting upgrades to seafood producers and infrastructure projects in the region.

Sources: www.governor.ny.gov

Ohio Breaks Ground on Canal Park Trail as Part of Wonderful Waterfronts Initiative

Ohio Governor DeWine announced groundbreaking for a new riverfront walking and biking trail in Zanesville, funded by the $1.1 million Wonderful Waterfronts Initiative, supporting recreation in Appalachia Ohio.

Sources: governor.ohio.gov

Indiana Signs SEA 176 Protecting Shooting Ranges from Stricter Local Regulations

Indiana Governor Braun ceremonially signed SEA 176 into law, restricting counties, cities, and towns from imposing regulations on shooting ranges beyond state requirements. Ranges serve recreational and training purposes.

Sources: www.indianasenaterepublicans.com

Indiana Expands Prevention Efforts Against Human Trafficking and Child Grooming

SEA 119 was signed by the governor to further restrict convicted child predators’ access to hospitality-adjacent venues and define repeated child grooming as an offense, broadening public safety measures in facilities across Indiana.

Sources: www.indianasenaterepublicans.com

Governor Lamont Announces Construction Launch for Four Waterbury Branch Line Station Upgrades in Connecticut

Connecticut Governor Lamont announced the start of construction on upgrades to four Metro-North Waterbury Branch Line stations, with completion expected by spring 2028. Upgrades feature modern platforms, indoor waiting spaces, new bus bays, and increased accessibility.

Sources: portal.ct.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Washington Hilton attack spotlights hotel industry's nagging and costly security problem: Recent attack at Washington Hilton draws renewed attention to security risks and costs in the hotel sector.
• The Simple Travel Scam That Cost a Seasoned Traveler Over $12,000: Traveler lost over $12,000 to a straightforward scam, raising new concerns for trip planning and guest safety.
• Booking Holdings cuts annual revenue growth forecast as Middle East war weighs: Booking Holdings adjusted its revenue forecast citing impacts from the ongoing Middle East conflict.

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