The Advocacy Report: Latest Policy & Industry Updates

May 11, 2026

NOTEWORTHY.

Happy Hour Arrives in Atlanta.

Restaurants in the City of Atlanta have something new to raise a glass to: happy hour promotions are now officially allowed inside city limits — with a few guardrails in place. While bottomless brunch is still off the menu, restaurants can now offer limited drink discounts of up to 50% off. Just remember: discounted drinks must still be entered into your POS system at full price, with the discount tracked separately for compliance and reporting purposes.


An Order of the Special?
The legislative session may have wrapped up just a month and a half ago, but there’s already growing chatter under the Gold Dome about the possibility of a special session later this year to address a few unfinished items from the regular session.

Unlike the annual session, special sessions are more limited in scope. They can only be called by the Governor, and lawmakers can only consider the issues specifically outlined in the call. That means the wording of any special session order will matter quite a bit. If one does happen, expect election reform to be at or near the top of the agenda.


Third-Party Delivery Review
The Federal Trade Commission is asking for public feedback on third-party delivery practices across the restaurant industry, giving operators an opportunity to help shape how delivery platforms may be regulated moving forward.

We are working alongside the National Restaurant Association on an industry engagement effort with the FTC, and the National Restaurant Association has launched a short online survey to help gather real-world feedback and data from restaurant operators.

If you have a few minutes, we encourage you to complete the survey and share your perspective. Your input will help ensure the industry’s voice is represented as policymakers continue evaluating delivery practices and potential future regulations.

https://www.research.net/r/RestaurantDeliverySurvey

ELECTION PRIMER.

Georgia’s Governor Race: Now Streaming on Every Device
If it feels like campaign season is everywhere right now, that’s because it is. Between TV ads, overflowing mailboxes, campaign texts, and door knockers, Georgia voters are getting constant reminders that early voting is officially underway and May 19 is quickly approaching. Toss in enough yard signs to qualify as neighborhood landscaping –  and enough HOA complaints to keep the neighborhood Facebook page fully entertained – and election season has officially entered full swing.

On the Republican side, the Governor’s race appears to be narrowing into a showdown between Lt. Governor Burt Jones and businessman Rick Jackson. Still, don’t count out Attorney General Chris Carr or Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger from making things interesting and potentially finding their way into the runoff.

Meanwhile, the Democratic field is starting to take shape, with former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms holding a strong lead. The big question now is whether she can secure enough support to avoid a runoff altogether, or if challengers like former State Senator Jason Esteves, DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond, or former CNN contributor Geoff Duncan can gain enough momentum to extend the race.


The Judicial Branch Has Entered the Chat
While plenty of statewide races appear headed for a possible runoff, Georgia’s two State Supreme Court contests will be one-and-done. Incumbent Presiding Justice Sarah Warren and Justice Charlie Bethel are facing challenges from former State Senator Jen Jordan and trial attorney Miracle Rankin, respectively, with voters making the final call outright in May.

Both Bethel and Warren joined the court in 2018 after being appointed by then-Governor Nathan Deal, bringing years of judicial experience to the bench. Warren was later selected by Governor Kemp to serve as Presiding Justice in 2025, a role that has kept her at the center of the court’s leadership during a particularly active period for the judiciary.

In an election season full of twists, turns, and runoff speculation, these two races offer voters a more straightforward choice – no extra campaign season required.


Undecided Is Having a Strong Campaign
While the governor’s race may be getting most of the attention, it’s far from the only contest heating up across the state. In the Republican Senate primary, former Tennessee football coach Derek Dooley has turned his endorsement from Governor Brian Kemp into a recent bump in the polls, moving into second place behind frontrunner Congressman Mike Collins and ahead of Congressman Buddy Carter, whose campaign appears to be losing a bit of steam.

That said, if the polling numbers are to be believed, the real frontrunner right now might actually be “Undecided” – which means the next few weeks could get especially interesting. One thing does seem increasingly likely: this race appears headed for (wait for it!) a runoff to determine who will eventually face Senator Jon Ossoff in November.


The Race for Georgia’s Most Complicated Job Description
Another major race drawing attention this cycle is the contest for Lieutenant Governor, where a lineup of current and former State Senators are battling for their party’s nominations.

On the Republican side, former State Senator John F. Kennedy – known last session for sponsoring the tort reform legislation that ultimately passed – is competing alongside State Senators Steve Gooch, Blake Tillery, and Greg Dolezal in a crowded and competitive primary field.

Meanwhile, Democrats are watching a spirited matchup unfold between State Senators Nabilah Parkes and Josh McLaurin as both candidates look to secure their party’s nomination heading into the general election.

SCOTT'S THOUGHTS