September 06, 2026 to September 12, 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

• 🏛️ This Week's Congressional Calendar
• 🇺🇸 Federal Government News
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

This Week's Congressional Calendar

• Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Hearing on Ecosystem Restoration and Recreation Access: The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee will convene on September 16 to address proposed legislation concerning ecosystem restoration, National Parks recreation access, geothermal development, and related watershed health projects.
• House Judiciary Subcommittee Hearing: Healthcare Markets: On September 14, the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Administrative State, Regulatory Reform, and Antitrust will meet in Charlotte, North Carolina, to examine issues of fraud and competition in healthcare markets.

Federal Government News

White House Modifies Duties on Certain Canadian Products in Alcoholic Beverage Dispute

On September 8, President Trump issued a proclamation modifying the scope of additional duties imposed on Canadian products. The changes respond to ongoing Canadian restrictions on U.S. alcoholic beverages, following a series of policy reversals by Canada over the summer. Beginning September 15, a 50% ad valorem duty will be applied only to specified Canadian products, with other goods newly exempted. U.S. agencies are instructed to update the Harmonized Tariff Schedule and execute the new duty structure, while superseding any inconsistent provisions from earlier proclamations. The measure aims to offset burdens on U.S. commerce following Canada's reinstatement of import restrictions and new provincial levies. Regulatory authority is granted for further implementations as necessary.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Presidential Ban on Importation of Certain Canadian Alcoholic Beverages

A second proclamation from President Trump on September 8 excludes certain Canadian alcoholic beverages from importation in response to continued restrictions on U.S. products. The policy will take effect September 29, impacting products newly subject to an import ban, while previously imported goods will remain under the existing 50% tariff. The action follows claims of Canadian non-compliance with previous commitments and retaliatory levies, including a 50% surcharge imposed by Saskatchewan. Relevant agencies are directed to enforce the import ban and update the Harmonized Tariff Schedule if warranted. Severability clauses are included to ensure policy continuity.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

FDA Requests OMB Approval for Generic Information Collection Supporting Food, Cosmetic, and Dietary Research

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is seeking Office of Management and Budget clearance on plans for ongoing qualitative data collection to support research into foods, dietary supplements, cosmetics, and animal foods. The initiative is designed to inform communications with consumers and regulated industries and to supplement existing quantitative research. The agency projects approximately 10,664 responses annually, ranging from in-depth interviews to small group discussions and observational studies, with an estimated total burden of 3,870 hours. Estimates have been reduced compared to previous cycles based on observed needs. Participation is voluntary; comments are accepted through October 13, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Federal Railroad Administration Reviews Petition to Modify Volunteer Passenger Rail Waiver

The Federal Railroad Administration is reviewing a petition from Stone Gables Estates (Harrisburg, Lincoln & Lancaster Railroad) to modify a waiver regarding glazing and safety appliance requirements for historic locomotives operating in passenger service. The agency requests comments by November 9, 2026. The modification relates to a locomotive maintained for tourist passenger service between 60 and 90 days per year. The existing relief covers glazing standards for cab windows and safety appliance regulations for vintage steam equipment. A hearing is not anticipated, but interested stakeholders may request one within the comment period.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

AbilityOne Commission Adds Army Food and Logistics Support Services to Procurement List

The Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled (AbilityOne Commission) announced the addition of food and logistics support services at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania Army National Guard, to its federal Procurement List. Opportunity Center, Incorporated of Wilmington, Delaware, will be the authorized nonprofit provider for this service contract, beginning October 1, 2027. The fast-tracked addition follows the expiration of the incumbent contract and ensures continuity for the Army’s supply and distribution needs. The notice states no significant impact on small businesses is expected and no comments were received following the initial announcement.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• How to Lure the Spendy and the Thrifty? Bring On the ‘Barbell.’: Restaurant operators are adopting 'barbell' pricing strategies to capture both budget and premium spenders.
• Is November the New October? For Off-Season Travelers, It’s Looking That Way.: Off-season deals are drawing more leisure travelers to destinations in November.
• This Spanish Island Wants to Ditch Drunk British Tourists for Rich American Ones: A Balearic island is pivoting its tourism strategy toward affluent American visitors over budget-conscious British travelers.
• Jay Rayner on the responsibility of restaurant criticism: Renowned food critic Jay Rayner discusses the evolving role and ethical considerations in restaurant reviews.
• Encounter the World, Set Off for Tianjin: 2026 China Culture & Tourism Industries Expo Kicks Off: The China Culture & Tourism Industries Expo launched in Tianjin, spotlighting international tourism opportunities.
• US tourism groups want to win Canadian visitors back. A testy trade war isn’t helping: U.S. tourism organizations seek to counter declining Canadian visitor numbers amid ongoing trade tensions.

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