Advocacy

Your business. Your voice. Your industry.

Running a restaurant is already demanding enough. You shouldn’t have to navigate changing laws, regulations, taxes, and workforce policies alone.

The Delaware Restaurant Association advocates on behalf of Delaware’s restaurant and hospitality industry—bringing the collective voice of restaurant owners and operators to policymakers in Dover.

When restaurants speak together, policymakers listen.

Turning Restaurant Insight Into Policy Action

The issues debated in Dover have a direct impact on your bottom line, your employees, and your ability to operate and grow.

The DRA works year-round to:

Advocate for policies that support a strong and competitive restaurant industry
Monitor legislation and regulations that could affect restaurant businesses
Keep members informed through advocacy alerts, legislative updates, and timely information
Build relationships with policymakers and ensure the restaurant industry has a seat at the table
Bring the restaurant perspective to the conversation when new laws and regulations are being considered
Mobilize restaurant owners and operators when action is needed

Our advocacy is grounded in the real experiences of the people who operate restaurants every day.

Contribute to the Policy & Advocacy Center

Advocacy Wins for Delaware Restaurants

Our advocacy has helped advance policies that make a difference for restaurants and their employees.

Recent priorities have included:

Supporting Restaurant Tax Relief
Protecting Restaurants From Excessive Costs
Strengthening the Hospitality Workforce
Modernizing Alcohol Laws
Representing Restaurants in Dover

Your Voice Makes Our Advocacy Stronger

Advocacy works best when policymakers hear directly from the people affected by the decisions they make.

As a DRA member, you have access to:

Advocacy alerts and legislative updates
Talking points and resources to help you contact your legislators
Opportunities to participate in advocacy efforts
Connections with policymakers and industry leaders
A statewide network of restaurant owners and operators
A team working every day to protect and strengthen Delaware’s restaurant industry

We Need You at the Table.

The strength of our advocacy depends on the strength of our membership.

Join the Delaware Restaurant Association and add your voice to the conversation.

Your Voice. Your Shield. Your Seat at the Table.

The Delaware Restaurant Association (DRA) is the official voice of Delaware’s restaurant and hospitality industry, working every day to promote and protect your business at the local, state, and federal levels. Whether it’s securing vital pandemic relief, advancing workforce development, pushing for cocktails-to-go legislation, or blocking burdensome regulations, we make sure that restaurant operators are heard where it matters most. We know restaurants are more than businesses; they are gathering places, economic engines, and gateways to opportunity. While you focus on serving your community, we’re at the table with decision-makers, advocating for a stronger, more sustainable industry. Because if you're not at the table, you're on the menu.

Here are a few ways you can get involved:

Invite Elected Officials to Your Restaurant
Open your doors to legislators and give them a firsthand look at the vital role restaurants play in Delaware’s economy and communities.

Become a Key Contact for Your Local Legislator
Build a lasting relationship with your elected officials—serve as their go-to resource on hospitality industry issues.

Show Your Gratitude
Publicly thank lawmakers who support pro-restaurant legislation through social media, emails, or in-person recognition.

Take Action When It Counts
Respond to DRA Action Alerts to make your voice heard on legislation that affects your bottom line.

Know a Legislator Personally?
Help strengthen our advocacy efforts by joining the DRA’s Key Contact Program. If you have a personal connection with a state or local lawmaker, email carrie@delawarerestaurant.org to get involved.