The Charlotte Observer said the Ritz-Carlton charged guests a 15 percent “CIAA service charge” in its lounge during the event. A hotel spokesperson said the fee was customary for events that require “an expansion of the facilities."
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A complaint by a fan sparked an investigation by the attorney general’s office, which received additional complaints.
The settlement includes refunds to customers, further transparency for future events, a $75,000 donation to the CIAA Scholarship Fund and a fine. The hotel maintains it did nothing unlawful.
According to the Observer, the CIAA is the oldest African-American conference in the nation and has held its tournament in Charlotte since 2006.
