Businesses operating in the retail and hospitality industries tend to gather a large amount of personal data. In addition to collecting employee data, as consumer-facing entities, retail and hospitality businesses typically gather large volumes of customer data. As such, businesses in these industries can see significant regulatory impact when states look to make legislative reform in the data privacy space.

In recent years, California and Nevada have received significant attention as the states pushing legislation that protects consumers’ and employees’ data privacy and regulates businesses when a data breach occurs. But Massachusetts recently made significant amendments to its data breach statute, and further legislative reform could soon follow in the form of a comprehensive data privacy statute. The result could place Massachusetts at the forefront of data privacy protection in the United States.

On Tuesday, September 24, the Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) voted to approve a highly-regulated home delivery program for adult-use cannabis, as well as a pilot program for cannabis cafes. While voters approved home deliveries and cannabis cafes as part of the 2016 adult-use ballot initiative, regulations were initially delayed while the CCC opted to focus on more pressing regulatory controls.

The Commission, which voted on the new regulations in a 4-1 vote, estimates that home delivery applications will be available in approximately two months.

Starting a new restaurant requires months, if not years, of planning. From concept to financing, location scouting to staffing, the number of tasks is countless, and the hurdles never-ending. The most difficult issues arise not from the things you expect, but from the unknown and unanticipated like asbestos discovered during renovations or the obscure permitting hang-up that delays your opening. Here are a few important things to consider when choosing your restaurant’s location.

Paying attention to a customer complaint will address a specific problem… can help avoid similar issues in the future, and turn the experience into a positive one. The key is not only listening… but responding. With some unfortunate exceptions, most people don't want to complain. So when they do, they probably mean it. 

Not a bad idea to at least have a manager come out and speak with the client, and offer some sort of redress. Depending on the situation, perhaps replace the item; take it off the bill; free dessert; drink on the house, etc.