South Carolina’s food service, lodging and tourism industries deserve public officials who fight for pro-hospitality policies. That is why the South Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association has established a state Political Action Committee (PAC) that will support candidates for public office who have our industry’s best interest top of mind when making critical policy decisions. SCRLA’s government affairs team aggressively promotes public policy options through direct lobbying and grassroots coordination. Our work benefits all of South Carolina's food service, lodging and tourism industries at the local and state level and through our newly established PAC, we will be better able to promote the election of candidates who support our industry as well as demonstrate awareness and appreciation of South Carolina’s hospitality community. 

What is a PAC?

A political action committee (PAC) is a 527 organization that pools campaign contributions from individuals and used to influence political elections and public policy. PACs are typically formed to represent business, labor, or ideological interests by individuals who wish to privately raise money to donate to a political campaign. In the United States, PACs have been around since 1943 and qualify for tax-exempt status with the Internal Revenue Service. Since PACs are political organizations, they are overseen by the Federal Election Committee (FEC). 

Why should I contribute to the SCRLA PAC?

Contributing to the SCRLA PAC ensures that our industry has a seat at the table and allows for a greater number of people to be more actively engaged in the political process. The SCRLA serves as the leading advocate for South Carolina’s food service, lodging and tourism industries and by extension, the SRCLA PAC expands the reach of our advocacy efforts and increases the impact that our efforts have at directing policy at the state-level. The SCRLA PAC provides our industry with a collective voice in the political process by allowing us to support the campaigns of candidates who understand the importance of our industry and the large economic impact restaurants and hotels have on South Carolina’s economy. With so many outside voices attempting to influence policy daily, it is important to access all available advocacy tools at our disposal to educate, influence and support lawmakers who share our vision. 

Why is the SCRLA PAC important?

The SCRLA PAC serves to strengthen our industry’s political voice, educate and mobilize policy makers on issues critical to our industry, and support candidates who promote legislation and policies that create a fair business environment that allows South Carolina’s restaurant and lodging industries to create jobs and grow South Carolina’s economy. There are no limits on what individuals and corporations may contribute to the SCRLA PAC in a calendar year in South Carolina and individuals may contribute to the SCLRA PAC with personal or business funds (this is different from federal PACs). Contributions more than $100 will be reported to the S.C. Ethics Commission in the quarter in which they were received in order to remain transparent and in-line with previous disclosure laws governing PACs 

How is the SCRLA PAC governed? Who decides how PAC contributions are spent?

SCRLA PAC is governed by a PAC Advisory Board who represent all segments of the restaurant and lodging community. The PAC Advisory Board convenes throughout the year to determine the best opportunities for SCRLA PAC engagement and support. Members of the PAC Advisory Board are appointed by the Board of Director Executive Committee. While the PAC Advisory Board does receive advice and recommendations by members of SCRLA’s Government Affairs team on which candidate committees to support, the PAC Advisory Board ultimately makes the final decision on which candidate committees are supported.

Who do I contact for more information?

You may contact the SCRLA PAC Manager, Hank Davis, Vice President - Governmental Affairs & Community Development, by phone at 803.766.0067 or by email at hank@scrla.org.