Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

FTC lawsuit claims price discrimination

AAHOA supports the effort to enforce the Robinson-Patman Act’s protection of small businesses from large corporations

FTC lawsuit claims price discrimination

THE FEDERAL TRADE Commission sued the largest U.S. wine and spirits distributor on Thursday, alleging Robinson-Patman Act violations that harmed small businesses by restricting access to discounts and rebates, limiting competition with larger chains. AAHOA supported the move, emphasizing the need for legal action to ensure a fair playing field for all businesses.

The FTC alleged that Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits LLC engaged in unlawful price discrimination by charging small, independent businesses significantly higher prices for wine and spirits than large chains, creating insurmountable advantages far beyond any actual cost efficiencies.


The Robinson-Patman Act aims to prevent price discrimination and promote fair competition, protecting small businesses from disadvantages when dealing with large corporations, AAHOA said in a statement. As a member of the Main Street Competition Coalition, the association advocates for fair business practices to promote competition and ensure a level playing field for businesses and consumers.

"We stand in full support of the FTC's lawsuit and all efforts to restore a competitive marketplace to the U.S. economy that benefits both business and consumers," said Miraj Patel, AAHOA’s chairman. "This legal action is a significant victory for small business owners who work tirelessly to contribute to the economy and create jobs, only to be undercut by discriminatory pricing that stifles their growth and success."

The FTC aims to ensure businesses of all sizes compete fairly with equal access to discounts and rebates, increasing consumer choice and enabling independent retailers to offer lower prices.

“When local businesses get squeezed because of unfair pricing practices that favor large chains, Americans see fewer choices and pay higher prices—and communities suffer,” said Lina Khan, FTC chair. “The law says that businesses of all sizes should be able to compete on a level playing field. Enforcers have ignored this mandate from Congress for decades, but the FTC’s action today will help protect fair competition, lower prices, and restore the rule of law.”

AAHOA advocates for laws that promote fair competition and prevent anti-competitive practices, the association said. As a voice for Asian American hotel owners, AAHOA supports the FTC's efforts to combat unfair pricing and ensure a level playing field for business owners.

"We urge the industry to embrace fair business practices that foster growth, innovation, and success for all hotel owners," said Laura Lee Blake, AAHOA’s president and CEO. "The FTC's action sends a powerful message that discriminatory pricing practices will not be tolerated and that small businesses deserve the same opportunities as their larger counterparts."

Previously, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas issued a nationwide preliminary injunction on Dec. 3, halting enforcement of the Corporate Transparency Act and its regulations. AAHOA called the decision a major victory for small business owners, including its members.

More for you

AAHOACON25 ન્યૂ ઓર્લિયન્સમાં 15-17 એપ્રિલ 2025 દરમિયાન યોજાશે

AAHOACON25 ન્યૂ ઓર્લિયન્સમાં 15-17 એપ્રિલ દરમિયાન યોજાશે

AAHOA 2025 AAHOA કન્વેન્શન એન્ડ ટ્રેડ શો માટે તૈયારી કરી રહ્યું છે, જે 15 થી 17 એપ્રિલના રોજ ન્યૂ ઓર્લિયન્સમાં નક્કી કરવામાં આવ્યું છે. "નવા વિચારો, નવી તકો, ન્યુ ઓર્લિયન્સ" થીમ આધારિત આ ઇવેન્ટમાં ત્રણ દિવસનું શિક્ષણ, નેટવર્કિંગ અને ટ્રેડ શો છે.

આધ્યાત્મિક નેતા ગુરુદેવ શ્રી શ્રી રવિશંકર AAHOACON25 ના જનરલ સેશનમાં મુખ્ય વક્તા હશે, એમ AAHOA એ એક નિવેદનમાં જણાવ્યું છે.

Keep ReadingShow less
David Wahba, Stonebridge Cos. VP of Sales, at a luxury resort property in 2025
Photo credit: Stonebridge Cos.

Wahba is Stonebridge’s VP of sales luxury, lifestyle

David Wahba to Lead Stonebridge’s Luxury Sales Strategy

David Wahba is now vice president of sales for luxury, lifestyle and resort properties at Stonebridge Cos. In this role, he will oversee sales strategy for the company’s luxury portfolio.

Wahba brings more than 25 years of hospitality experience, Stonebridge said in a statement.

Keep ReadingShow less
Revival Hotels and Stayntouch cloud PMS partnership announcement 2025

Revival Hotels implements new PMS

How Revival Hotels Enhances Operations with Stayntouch’s Cloud PMS

HOTEL MANAGEMENT FIRM Revival Hotels is working with Stayntouch to provide its cloud-based property management systems to Revival’s independent portfolio. Revival is led by Founder and CEO Saxton Sharad.

Revival will receive automated software with flexibility and an interface its team can adopt to improve daily operations, the companies said in a joint statement.

Keep ReadingShow less