InTouch | August 2023

INtouch

Registration and sponsorships are now open for our 4th Annual Marketing & Operations Conference!

Scan the QR code or visit SCRLA.org/moc and join us in Greenville this fall!

Save the Dates for Upcoming Restaurant Week Campaigns!

As the voice of the restaurant industry, the South Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association is dedicated to promoting our world-class culinary and beverage community right here in South Carolina. Established in 2010 by the SCRLA, Restaurant Week South Carolina is an 11-day celebration of our state’s vibrant culinary scene. Restaurant Week gives local, regional, and national food lovers the opportunity to enjoy amazing values during brunch, lunch and/or dinner at a number of participating restaurants. Restaurant Week’s goal is to position South Carolina as one of the top culinary destinations in the nation by increasing awareness of the many dining opportunities available in the state, as well as stimulating business and revenue for restaurants. From fine to casual dining, participating restaurants will may feature new menu items, offer fan favorites, and/or develop your own multi-course menu during Restaurant Week South Carolina.

Get involved in our summer, fall and winter campaigns!

This is the perfect time to find new customers, generate repeat business, and grow the bottom line. Our Restaurant Week campaigns are a powerful business tool that offers full “brand-to-hand” marketing stewardship year-round and to ensure ongoing success, we continually develop new promotional programs and encourage the spirit of innovation.

Restaurants aren’t the only business to benefit from Restaurant Week. It helps increase tourism, therefore increasing revenues for hotels, stores and other local businesses. We use the Restaurant Week campaign as a platform to showcase our state’s restaurant diversity, while helping build its culinary reputation. Marketing efforts target consumers interested in food, beverages and travel. Sign up today at SCRLA.org/restaurantweeksc.

Join us in Greenville for our 4th Annual Marketing & Operations Conference presented by Sysco

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OVERVIEW

The South Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association’s Marketing and Operations Conference, a premier hospitality event presented by Sysco, is returning for the fourth year this fall.

We are thrilled to host this event in Greenville on October 16 with a diverse group of entrepreneurial and executive-level hospitality experts.

Bringing you leading industry trends, best practices, top-notch speakers and unparalleled networking, we’ve made sure there’s a seat for everyone at our table. This year’s conference will feature two keynote speakers and 18 innovative forums led by the brightest professionals in hospitality.

Each forum is packed with hot topics and powerful messages designed to spark new ideas.

Tracks include: human resources, technology, general management, beverage, marketing & hotel/lodging. Throughout the conference, connect with the industry's game changers for valuable takeaways and new business prospects.

NEW! CHEF & BARTENDER SHOWCASE

We will wrap up the conference with the Chef & Bartender Showcase, a social networking event featuring the best and brightest talent the South Carolina Upstate has to o er, serving tasty treats perfectly paired with live entertainment.

Learn more about this new addition to the 2023 MOC under the platinum sponsorship opportunity.

Interested in sponsoring this year’s conference?

There are limited sponsorship opportunities ranging from $1,000 (Marketplace Vendor) to $10,0000 (Platinum Sponsor).

Become a Marketplace Vendor, a dedicated, high-traffic area for vendors to showcase and sell their products. This area will be open throughout the duration of the conference. Setup will take place Sunday evening.

Learn more at SCRLA.org/MOC_sponsor and reserve your sponsorships today!

All South Carolina ABL Applications Now Available on MyDORWAY

All Alcoholic Beverage License applications are now available on MyDORWAY, the SCDOR’s free online tax portal.

The last of South Carolina’s 27 ABL applications became available in late June with the addition of the Beer & Wine Special Event Permit, Liquor Special Event Permit, and Special (Donated) Nonprofit Event Permit.

Submitting these applications online can save applicants significant time, since the process is faster and more accurate than using paper forms. Also, ABL applications submitted on MyDORWAY are automatically received by the SCDOR, so you don’t have to worry about mail processing or hand-delivering your application to an SCDOR office.

Why choose MyDORWAY to submit ABL applications?

• The MyDORWAY application is designed to provide guidance as you apply, so you don’t get stuck on any step of the application process.

• Most supplemental forms are built into the MyDORWAY application, so you don’t have to worry about collecting and submitting copies of additional documents.

• Your online application is sent directly to the SCDOR, which dramatically cuts down on processing time.

• If your business involves retail sales, you’re required to obtain a Retail License first, which you can also apply for on MyDORWAY.

Retail License requirements:

• Before applying for an ABL license or permit, you must first obtain a Retail License using the SCDOR’s Business Tax Application if your business involves retail sales. The SCDOR will not begin processing your ABL application until you have that license.

• All licenses and permits available on the ABL-901 application require a Retail License.

• If you’re unsure about whether or not you need a Retail

License, check out our ABL license directory and select the license you are applying for to see more details.

• Customers who are required to obtain a South Carolina Retail License should start by visiting dor.sc.gov/ register. On the next screen, choose New Business Tax Application, select your Type of Ownership, and enter your ID information to begin the Business Tax Application.

• As part of the Business Tax Application process, you’ll open a MyDORWAY account, which you can use going forward to manage your ABL account electronically. This makes it easier to file returns, make payments, correspond with the SCDOR, and monitor your licenses.

• Check out our Registering a New Business on MyDORWAY tutorial for step-by-step instructions on the Business Tax Application.

Before you begin the ABL application:

• Depending on the license type you are applying for, you will need to gather certain supplemental documents to complete your application. These documents must be uploaded during the application process to complete your application. We recommend visiting our ABL license directory to view more application requirements for the license you are applying for.

To apply for an ABL license with the SCDOR:

• For retail-based ABL licenses, start by logging in to MyDORWAY. After you’ve logged in, click the More tab, then select Apply for a New Alcohol Beverage License.

• For Special Event and Special Nonprofit Event Licenses, start by logging in to MyDORWAY. After you’ve logged in, click the More tab, then select Apply for a New ABL Special Event License.

• For all other ABL licenses, begin the application by selecting New Alcohol Beverage License Application on the MyDORWAY homepage at mydorway.dor.sc.gov.

ADA Compliance for Restaurant Websites: How to Make Your PDFs Accessible to All

By Christian

The importance of ADA compliance in the digital space has grown in recent years, as more and more people rely on the internet for information and services.

For restaurant websites, this means ensuring that all content, including PDF menus and other downloadable documents, are accessible to individuals with disabilities. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) sets guidelines and standards for making websites and digital content user-friendly for people with various impairments, such as visual, auditory, cognitive, or motor disabilities.

To make PDFs on restaurant websites ADA compliant, the first step is to ensure that the document is structured properly. This includes using appropriate headings, lists, and other formatting elements to create a clear and logical hierarchy of information.

Additionally, using descriptive text for images and links, known as alt text, enables screen readers to convey the content to visually impaired users. Ensuring proper use of tables and providing clear labels for

form fields also contribute to a more accessible PDF experience.

Another crucial aspect of creating an ADA-compliant PDF is to ensure that the text is easily readable. This involves using a sufficient font size, choosing a legible typeface, and maintaining optimal contrast between the text and background colors. Furthermore, the document should be navigable using keyboard shortcuts, allowing users with motor impairments to access information without the use of a mouse.

Making PDFs on restaurant websites ADA compliant is essential to ensure that all potential customers have equal access to information and services. By structuring the document properly, using descriptive text, ensuring readability, and enabling keyboard navigation, restaurant owners can create an inclusive online experience for all users. Not only does this demonstrate a commitment to accessibility and social responsibility, but it also helps businesses avoid potential legal ramifications and reach a wider audience.

Stegmaier, chair of Collins & Lacy’s Retail & Hospitality Practice Group