Over the last few weeks, two big stories have made headlines in the food industry. Beginning in early February, news media across Europe began reporting that food products tested in several European countries contained horsemeat, purportedly marketed as beef. The reports also indicated that it was highly likely that consumers had eaten this mislabeled, and… Continue Reading
Category Archives: Government/Regulation/Alcohol
Subscribe to Government/Regulation/Alcohol RSS FeedSupreme Court Ruled on Health Care Reform: What Does This Mean for Employers in the Hospitality Industry?
Posted in Government/Regulation/AlcoholFor employers who have taken a “wait and see” approach toward Health Care Reform, it is time to start planning for compliance. Click to read the rest of the story here.
Developing a Food Crisis Response Plan: Key Considerations to Get Your Restaurant Started
Posted in Government/Regulation/AlcoholAn outbreak which is alleged to be associated with your restaurant can be a brand impact event. But it can be handled in a professional manner which emphasizes some advance planning and transparency in your dealings with stakeholders, government authorities and your loyal customers. Here are some things to consider as you develop and implement… Continue Reading
A New Meaning to “Eat and Run”? Restaurants and Mobile Payments
Posted in Government/Regulation/Alcohol, Restaurant FinanceMany mobile payment systems tailored for restaurants and other food vendors were introduced in 2011. Restaurant-industry insiders say 2012 could be a year of widespread adoption of these systems – and possibly a shakeout among them. Set forth below is a brief overview of leading systems, followed by a discussion of key legal and network-rules… Continue Reading
Avoiding Common ABC Violations: Help Your Staff Help You
Posted in Government/Regulation/AlcoholSelling alcohol can be profitable for a restaurant, but the privilege of selling alcohol comes with responsibilities. Irresponsible alcohol service by one of your employees can result in violations, license suspensions, civil penalties, and even license cancellation. If selling alcohol is important to your restaurant’s success, take steps to ensure that it is not jeopardized… Continue Reading
Tighter Controls Over Imported Food Under the Food Safety Modernization Act
Posted in Government/Regulation/AlcoholOn Jan. 4, 2011, President Obama signed into law the Food Safety Modernization Act, which mandates a number of new responsibilities on food manufacturers and food producers. The safety of imported food was a major consideration for lawmakers in supporting this legislation. The law requires importers to verify that imported food and food ingredients are… Continue Reading
Update on Los Angeles Food Truck Regulation
Posted in Government/Regulation/AlcoholAs reported in the December issue of Restaurant Reporter, the LA Country Board of Supervisors unanimously passed an ordinance to expand the restaurant letter grade rating program to food trucks. The program took effect in January 2011. The process is reportedly divided into two phases, with the second wave of surprise inspections planned to begin… Continue Reading
California to Require Food Handling Certification
Posted in Government/Regulation/AlcoholEffective July 1, 2011, California restaurants will be required to train and certify employees who engage in food preparation or service. The new law, Senate Bill 602, seeks to reduce the incidence of food-borne illnesses and hospitalizations in California by educating restaurant employees. It requires that employees who handle foods to obtain a food handler… Continue Reading
San Francisco to take the “Happy” out of the “Happy Meal”
Posted in Government/Regulation/AlcoholBy Michelle Morée Beginning in December 2011, fast-food restaurants will no longer be permitted to include toys in children’s meals that do not meet specific nutritional standards. Under the San Francisco Ordinance Health Code, a restaurant may not provide a toy with a meal that includes any of the following: more than 600 calories, excessive… Continue Reading
What Drink Pairs Well with Big Stakes?
Posted in Government/Regulation/AlcoholThe big business of alcohol has traditionally played out through quiet boardroom deals, agency relationships, and gentile hallway politics in the corridors of our state capitols. But recently, it has become a high-stakes game in increasingly public forums. Post-prohibition regulations cloud the production, importation, distribution, promotion, and retail sale and service of alcohol in ways… Continue Reading
New York’s Restaurant Letter Grading: Pass or Fail?
Posted in Government/Regulation/AlcoholIn 1996, Los Angeles County began assigning letter grades to restaurants based on sanitary inspections, and requiring restaurants to post their grades. The thinking was that if restaurants are forced to post an A, B, or C grade in their front window, consumers will vote with their feet and avoid restaurants with low grades. Owners… Continue Reading
Los Angeles Food Truck Regulation: A Legislative Update
Posted in Government/Regulation/AlcoholWith the proliferation of mobile food facilities (commonly known as “food trucks”) in the Los Angeles area comes increased scrutiny and efforts to address concerns such as public safety, traffic, parking, sanitary conditions, and the impact on traditional brick-and-mortar restaurants. For instance, it’s been reported that some food trucks currently operate without proper permits and… Continue Reading
Gift Card Regulation: A Legislative Update
Posted in Government/Regulation/AlcoholDue to the popularity of gift cards in restaurants and retailers, federal and state governments have increased their role in regulating gift cards. In this legislative update we’ll focus on “closed-loop” gift cards, those that are issued by a specific store or restaurant and which may only be used at the issuing store or restaurant. … Continue Reading
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