UR&TO Background:

The United Restaurant and Tavern Owners of New York, Inc. is an alliance of restaurants, bars, nightclubs, inns, and hotels which all share the prestige - and the headaches - of operating in the entertainment and attraction center of the world.

From its founding, in 1937, by restaurant and tavern owners, who joined together to negotiate labor contracts and to collectively face other interests, the UR&TO has been devoted to the unique concerns of Manhattan's on-premise licensee.

We are a group of entrepreneurs different from our colleagues in the industry. Our patrons are a collection of the world's most influential citizenry, and by the nature and locations of our businesses, we are ambassadors to the people of many nations. We are part of the reason people vacation and convene in New York.

However, as we embark on our seventh decade of service, the economic, legislative and emotional climate surrounding the serving of alcohol is as disenchanting as ever. Some of our colleagues refer to this era as "the new prohibition".

The on-premise licensee must accept expanded liability, government's failure to protect small business, ever-changing rules, resolutions and fines. In addition, our industry is first looked to by the state and federal government when they seek to grow their tax revenues.

The need for the local business owners in our industry to build and strengthen relationships and understanding with our counterparts in government is clear. It is also important to foster alliances in the industry and in changing public perceptions and media stereotypes.

If we feel very much alone facing a less certain future, it is because we are. But it has been in times of fraternity that our industry has experienced strength. And, it is now, more than ever, a time to come together and draw on our collective resources, strengthen our voices and face our challenges together.