Gotham Hall $1.5M Class Action Settlement for Unpaid Gratuities

Gotham Hall, LLC has agreed to pay $1,500,000 to settle a class action lawsuit for alleged violations of the New York Labor Law by unlawfully retaining gratuities in connection with private or banquet events held at Gotham Hall and Ziegfeld Ballroom. This settlement benefits individuals who worked as servers, bartenders, or in related service positions that customarily receive gratuities at these venues between March 1, 2012, and August 9, 2024.

Can I Claim an Award?

To be considered a class member, you must meet the following criteria:

• You worked at Gotham Hall or Ziegfeld Ballroom as a server, bartender, or in a related service position that customarily receives gratuities.
• Your employment at these venues occurred between March 1, 2012, and August 9, 2024.

What Can I Claim?

Your individual settlement payment will be calculated based on the number of events you worked at these venues. The official settlement website has attempted to obtain records demonstrating the number of events you worked, but some information may be incomplete. Therefore, the number of events attributed to you may include an estimate based on extrapolated data.

• If you do not challenge the estimated number of events worked, you will receive the corresponding amount when the money is funded by Defendants.
• If you challenge the estimated number of events worked, you must provide documentation or evidence to substantiate your claim. Your challenge will be processed and reviewed, and you may be asked to provide additional information or a sworn statement under oath.

Events Covered by the Settlement

The settlement covers work performed at the following venues:

• Gotham Hall
• Ziegfeld Ballroom

Is Proof Required to Claim the Reward?

Yes, proof is required to claim the reward. If you challenge the estimated number of events worked, you must provide documentation or evidence to substantiate your claim. This may include pay stubs, schedules, or other records that demonstrate the number of events you worked at Gotham Hall and Ziegfeld Ballroom.

How to Claim Your Award

To claim your award, you must complete and return the Claim Form by August 9, 2024. You can submit your claim form by mail, email, or fax to the Settlement Administrator.

How Do I Get Paid?

Settlement checks will be mailed to the address on file for eligible class members. Make sure to keep your address, phone number, and email address updated with the Settlement Administrator to ensure you receive your payment.

Settlement checks will be deemed IRS Form 1099 non-wage income.

$1,500,000 Settlement Fund Breakdown

The total settlement amount is $1,500,000. This fund will be used to make payments to all eligible class members who timely and properly complete and return the Claim Form and Release. Additionally, the settlement fund will cover fees and costs, including Class Counsel’s Fees, Costs, and Expenses.

Class Counsel has requested, and the Court has approved, payment of 33⅓% of the Gross Settlement Fund for attorneys’ fees, plus reimbursement for actual costs and expenses incurred in the amount of $50,000. The requested fees compensate Class Counsel for all work performed and will continue to perform in this action.

Important Dates

• Objection Deadline: August 9, 2024
• Opt-Out Deadline: August 9, 2024
• Dispute Deadline: August 9, 2024
• Claim Form Deadline: August 9, 2024
• Final Effective Date: August 24, 2024
• Final Payment: September 10, 2024

Why Is There a Class Action Settlement?

A lawsuit was filed by plaintiffs Vincent Settecasi, Pamela Graham, and Coree Spencer, on behalf of themselves and others, alleging that Gotham Hall, LLC, and other defendants violated the New York Labor Law by unlawfully retaining gratuities in connection with private or banquet events held at Gotham Hall and Ziegfeld Ballroom. The plaintiffs sought to recover allegedly retained gratuities and tips, as well as interest, attorneys’ fees, costs, and other relief.

Defendants denied any wrongdoing or liability but agreed to settle the lawsuit to avoid the burden, expense, inconvenience, and uncertainty of continued litigation. The settlement was reached after extensive negotiations and mediation sessions.