California Restaurant Association Summarizes Passed Bills that will Affect the Industry in 2007

Sacramento – Of the many bills signed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger this year that will become law on January 1, a few will affect the restaurant industry more than others. Following is a brief summary of these laws:

·       AB 1835 by Assembly members Sally Lieber (D-Mountain View), Mark Leno (D-San Francisco) and Paul Koretz (D-West Hollywood) increases California’s minimum wage and exempt salary standards for all California employers. The minimum wage will be increased from $6.75 to $7.50 per hour on January 1, 2007, and to $8 per hour on January 1, 2008 for an overall increase of $1.25. It also provides for the upward adjustment of the permissible meals and lodging credits and requires employers to post amended copies of the applicable wage order.

·       SB 144 by Senator George Runner (R-Antelope Valley) was co-sponsored by the California Restaurant Association and adopts a revised and improved food code (California Food Retail Code) that is more user-friendly, provides better uniformity and consistency and uses the best available science to ensure Californians are safe. 

·       SB 1485 by Senator Ray Hollingsworth (R-Murrieta) removes the current prohibition on importing, possessing with the intent to sell or selling within the state, alligators and crocodiles until January 1, 2010.

·       SB 1548 Senator Kevin Murray (D-Los Angeles) authorizes beer manufacturers and wholesalers to offer beer samples (not to exceed 8 ounces per person, per day) to individuals of legal drinking age at on-sale retail licensed premises under specified conditions.