The Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association (MRLA) has issued a call to action for all Michigan residents to support the hospitality industry by considering the purchase of gift cards while shopping for the holidays this year through its Give the Gift of Hospitality initiative. Gift card purchases from local restaurants and hotels provide immediate and direct revenue to support Michigan’s industry. And they offer choice and flexibility to the gift recipient.
“The past two years have been incredibly challenging for operators who have consistently faced obstacles while running their businesses,” said MRLA President & CEO, Justin Winslow. “Whether it was indoor dining closures, customer capacity restrictions, rising costs for ingredients and supplies or even staff shortages, restaurant and hotel operators have worked very hard to keep moving forward. We encourage patrons across the state to support these businesses and give the gift of hospitality this giving season.”
The MRLA recognizes that gift cards are an easy purchase for the holiday season, allowing the opportunity to give loved ones the chance to try something new or pick up the tab ahead of time at their favorite place. Giving the Gift of Hospitality also allows patrons and gift-givers to feel good knowing they are supporting Michigan’s recovering hospitality industry.
Many–probably most–local restaurants offer gift cards as a routine option in their Point-of-Sale systems. Michigan state consumer laws generally require gift cards to be honored for five years from date of purchase. However, some restrictions on their use vary from one establishment to another. So always read ‘the fine print.’
