After a legal tug-of-war that spanned six years and three state courts, not to mention left thousands of Michigan hospitality workers and owners in suspense, Michigan’s tip credit is once again on the verge of elimination.

​On July 31, the Michigan Supreme Court issued a ruling in Mothering Justice v. Attorney General, which inspected the constitutionality of a specific legislative maneuver used by state lawmakers nearly six years ago. While not directly ruling on the issues of minimum wage and paid sick leave, the decision nonetheless had a direct - and immense - impact on the way Michigan hospitality businesses operate.  ​

​What is your business’ niche/specialty?
Conifer Insurance Services specializes in providing A-rated, customized insurance programs for niche and underserved industry groups. We focus on delivering comprehensive insurance solutions tailored to the unique needs of these markets, often overlooked by larger national and international insurance companies.

Our key specialty areas include:
Food & Beverage:  Property and liability Insurance solutions for restaurants, bars, taverns, private clubs, and other entities in the food and beverage industry, supported by over three decades of industry experience.

Liquor Liability:  As Michigan’s leading provider of liquor liability insurance, we leverage our extensive experience to offer robust coverage for establishments serving alcohol.

Cannabis:  One of the nation’s first comprehensive insurance programs tailored to the cannabis sector, addressing the unique risks and requirements of plant touching businesses.

Mainstreet: Property and liability insurance solutions for classes that are generally hospitality related but do not meet the definition of a restaurant, bar or tavern.  These miscellaneous classes consist of vape stores, smoke shops, hookah lounges, cigar stores and cigar lounges.
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By: The Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Fund

Ensuring the safety of both employees and guests in Michigan's restaurant and lodging industry is vital due to the numerous hazards inherent in these environments. Maintaining a safe work and service environment not only protects your employees and reduces worker’s compensation claims, but it also enhances the overall guest experience.  
 
Proactively understanding and addressing common hazards is crucial for maintaining a safe and efficient workplace. Below are the five most common injuries for the hospitality industry and the measures to mitigate them effectively. 
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In both hotels and restaurants, employees often handle cleaning chemicals and hot cooking equipment, posing serious risks such as chemical burns, respiratory issues, and thermal burns. 
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Prevention: Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves, masks, and heat-resistant gloves. Ensure proper labeling and storage of chemicals and provide training on their safe use. 
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As temperatures heat up, so will the threshold for overtime qualifications.
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On April 23, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) threw a curveball into the summer plans of hotels across the nation. Effective July 1, a new rule would dramatically increase the threshold for overtime pay so that all employees, salaried or hourly, would be eligible for overtime if they make up to $43,888 per year.


But that’s not all. The threshold jumps even higher on January 1, 2025, when employees making up to $58,656 become eligible for overtime pay.

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