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SEPTEMBER 2025

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Hospitality Insights & Trends

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Client Alert: "Unfair and Deceptive Fees" Law

Adam Barnosky

On September 2nd, new rules from the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office will change how restaurants display prices. The regulations target so-called ‘junk fees’ by requiring clear, upfront disclosure of charges on menus and customer checks. For restaurants, that means being more transparent about service fees, credit card surcharges, and other add-ons so guests know the true cost of dining before they order.

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Client Alert: New Massachusetts Law Allows Conversion of Beer & Wine Licenses to All-Alcohol

Ryan Clemens

​Earlier this summer, Governor Maura Healey signed a new law that allows on-premises beer and wine license holders to convert their licenses into all-alcohol licenses. Conversions require both local adoption and ABCC approval, and once converted, the license becomes non-transferable.

The law doesn’t expand the total number of licenses but gives cities and towns flexibility to set fees and conditions. Boston is currently reviewing whether to participate. If your business holds a beer and wine license, now is the time to monitor whether your community adopts this law, and evaluate how conversion could affect both operations and long-term value. 

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RECOMMENDED LISTENING

Transaction Talk - Exit Wise: Legacy & Estate Planning

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Estate planning isn't just about your personal life; it's a vital part of owning and operating a business. On this episode of Transaction Talk, hosts Eric Sigman and Jennifer Fox sit down with Neil Cohen, an attorney who specializes in business succession, probate administration, and both simple and complex estates, to unpack everything you need to know about estate planning for your business.

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In this conversation, Neil explores the differences between a will and a trust, what it means to avoid probate, why setting up a will or trust should be your top priority, and how estate planning informs succession planning. Neil also uncovers the consequences of not having a will or trust when incapacitated during a sale as a business owner, why many procrastinate on their estate planning, why a healthcare proxy matters, and where spouses fit into the various components of estate planning.​

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Listen here or wherever you get your podcasts. 

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CLIENT NEWS

Congratulations to RIW clients: 

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  • Bernadette and Ledger for being named Best of the North Shore (BONS) Best Restaurants by Northshore Magazine

  • Row 34 on the opening of their newest location in Kenmore Square. This marks a return to familiar ground, as owners Shore Gregory and Jeremy Sewall first launched Island Creek Oyster Bar in that space in 2010.

  • Kristen Canty on the opening of her latest venture in Boston's Seaport neighborhood: The Block at Woods Hill. This stunning new restaurant and market builds on the legacy of Woods Hill Pier 4, bringing another farm-to-table experience to life with the help of executive chef Charlie Foster.

  • Brassica Kitchen, Field and Vine, Prairie Fire, Tres Gatos, Tonino, Backbar, Petsi Pies, Row 34, Veggie Galaxy, Raffles, and The Whitney for being named to The Boston Globe's Best of the Best List for 2025.

  • Darling on its grand opening in Cambridge's Central Square. The renovated bar and lounge opened in the space formerly occupied by Mary Chung's and will honor the beloved landmark with Chinese-inspired cocktails and a fresh, modern spin on classic dim sum.

  • FiDO Pizza on its grand opening in the Allston Labworks campus. Traveler Street Hospitality brings its expertise to a new casual neighborhood spot, serving cocktails and NY-style pizza.

  • MPZ Holdings on their new PopUp Bagels and Dave's Hot Chicken locations in Florida and North Carolina.

INSIDE RIW

  • Mike Cronin, Ryan Clemens, and David Musen attended the Best of Boston gala, supporting RIW clients Woods Hill Pier 4 and Row 34.

  • Adam Barnosky presented on a Massachusetts Restaurants United webinar panel on the newly enacted rules regarding unfair and deceptive fees, which are reshaping how restaurants display menu prices. 

  • RIW is sponsoring and attending Spoonfuls Ultimate Tailgate fundraiser on 10/23 at Roadrunner. Learn more and get tickets here. 

  • Adam Barnosky is attending next month's National Association for Licensing and Compliance Professionals (NALCP) Annual Conference in Austin, TX. 

  • RIW is sponsoring and attending Boston Magazine's annual Taste of Boston Event on 11/5. Learn more and get tickets here.

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