Hospitality Law and Ethics Flashcards
6 cards from real HOSPITALITY practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Hospitality Law and Ethics flashcards as text
What is a 'force majeure' clause in hotel contracts?
Answer: A contract provision excusing performance obligations due to extraordinary unforeseeable events beyond the parties' control
Force majeure ('superior force') clauses in hotel contracts excuse either party from performance obligations when extraordinary, unforeseeable events — natural disasters, pandemics, wars, government orders — make performance impossible or commercially impractical.
What is 'attrition' in hotel group contract law?
Answer: A penalty clause requiring groups to pay for rooms committed but not used below a contracted minimum
In hotel group contracts, attrition is a contractual provision requiring the group to use (or pay for) a minimum percentage of contracted guest rooms. If the group fails to fill the contracted room block, they owe attrition fees to the hotel for the shortfall.
What is the 'liquor license' requirement for hotel food and beverage operations?
Answer: A government-issued permit required to legally sell, serve, or distribute alcoholic beverages
A liquor license is a government-issued permit authorizing a hotel to sell, serve, or distribute alcoholic beverages. Requirements vary by jurisdiction but typically involve background checks, premises inspection, public notice periods, and payment of fees.
What is 'negligent hiring' liability in the hospitality industry?
Answer: Legal liability arising when a hotel hires an employee with a known dangerous history who subsequently harms a guest
Negligent hiring holds employers liable when they fail to exercise reasonable care in the hiring process — particularly background checks — and subsequently employ someone whose dangerous background was discoverable and who then harms a guest or co-worker.
What is the 'reasonable accommodation' obligation under the ADA for hotel employees?
Answer: The employer's obligation to make adjustments to job duties or conditions for qualified employees with disabilities
Under the ADA Title I, hotel employers must provide 'reasonable accommodations' — modifications to job duties, schedules, equipment, or work environment — that enable qualified employees with disabilities to perform their essential job functions, unless doing so creates undue hardship for the employer.
What is the 'tip pooling' law in US hospitality employment?
Answer: Legal rules governing the sharing of guest gratuities among tipped and non-tipped employees
US tip pooling law, governed by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) as amended, regulates which employees may share in tip pools. The 2018 and 2021 FLSA amendments allow tip pooling among all employees (including back-of-house) when the employer pays the full federal minimum wage, but prohibit managers and supervisors from receiving tips regardless.