California speeds up indoor heat protections amid sweltering summer weather
“California’s standards require indoor workplaces to be cooled below 87 degrees Fahrenheit when employees are present and below 82 degrees in places where workers wear protective clothing or are exposed to radiant heat, such as furnaces. Worksites that don’t have air conditioning may use fans, misters, and other methods to bring the room temperature down.”
“The rules allow workarounds for businesses if they can’t cool their workplaces sufficiently… But even with workarounds, businesses are concerned about the cost of complying with the regulation, especially small businesses that don’t own their storefronts or are in old buildings, said Robert Moutrie, a senior policy advocate at the California Chamber of Commerce.”
NEWS YOU NEED TO KNOW Indoor Heat Illness Prevention Regulations - 7 years in the making
The effort to regulate indoor workplace temperatures began in 2017, and the CRA and our board of directors were directly involved with Cal/OSHA throughout the process. While that direct engagement helped shape the regulation to add some added flexibility for restaurants- complying with the regulation will still be a heavy lift. The new regulation applies to work areas where temperatures reach 82 degrees Fahrenheit.
The unintended consequences of California’s $20 minimum wage for fast-food workers
“California officials are reportedly considering a further increase to the recently implemented $20 minimum wage for fast-food workers. The California Food Council, which was established by Governor Gavin Newsom, is planning to propose an additional 3.5% raise for 2025 at their upcoming meeting in late July, according to Restaurant Business…”
“Although the bump in pay is intended to help improve the standard of living for more than half a million fast-food workers, there may be unintended consequences that could do more harm to these employees, including restaurant closures, job cuts, reduced hours and increased deployment of automation to bring down expenses.”
AUG. 14 ● 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM ● ONLINE ● COST $45 How To Build a Successful Beverage Program
The California Restaurant Association is proud to partner with the San Francisco Wine School to bring you this informative seminar. CRA MEMBERS GET A 10% DISCOUNT USING CODE CRA10!
Learn how to build a successful beverage program from scratch or revamp one that's struggling! Master Sommelier David Glancy will discuss his top tips, tricks, and mistakes to avoid when establishing your beverage concept & format, pricing for sales & profit, and selection strategies. Cost control, preservation systems, & market trends will also be covered. Wine, beer, spirits, coffee, tea, and water will all be part of the conversation and we'll make sure to leave time for questions at the end!
This seminar is geared towards bars and restaurants, however retail establishments will benefit from many concepts as well.
Coastal Payroll’s custom solutions minimize the time spent on tracking attendance and hours worked, managing employee schedules, and ensuring compliance with regulations, while improving accuracy and boosting engagement.
Seamlessly manage tips, overtime, food handler permits and more in one system.
If you know of a food and beverage worker who has lost their home or employment due to the fires, please have then apply online to Restaurants Care. They may be eligible for a grant. We have a California natural disaster specific application online and grants for basic living expenses like food, gas, clothing, housing, and medication during this crisis.
NEW CRA MEMBERSHIP ALERT! More discounts and services available for CRA members
LifeMart: CRA Members can save on everyday purchases
LifeMart is a free members-only online discount shopping platform that provides savings and promotions on nationally recognized brand-name products and services and local retailers. Members are encouraged to offer their staff this tool with real savings to help them manage everyday needs. Please download the flier and share during a pre-shift meeting or with paychecks and encourage your employees to create an account and start saving!
Visit calrest.org/Marketplace to learn about our new partners as well as all of our valuable Marketplace Partners with savings and offers for CRA members.
NEWS YOU NEED TO KNOW: Don't let your restaurant-branded gift cards cost you - S.B. 1272 is coming!
S.B. 1272 proposes turning restaurant-branded gift cards into generic cash cards. This means businesses would be obligated to give cash to anyone who asks to exchange their gift card for cash, as long as the balance is $25 or less. This bill would impose extra costs and security risks on businesses, as they must keep more cash on hand to comply with the proposed law. Stay tuned for an Action Alert, which will allow you to voice your opposition to this law to lawmakers.
TRAINING: ServSafe® California Food Handler Training
Employees handling food must have a CA Food Handler card (FHC) on file within 30 days of hire. To obtain a card, employees must complete the 90-minute training and pass the exam with a 70% or higher. SB 476 requires employers to pay for the training and associated costs.
You are invited to join fellow industry leaders at The Grateful Table dinner, a magical evening dedicated to supporting our food families. Together, we will raise a glass and raise funds for the Restaurants Care relief fund.
🔎 Permanent Al Fresco Program for City of Los Angeles WEBINAR SCHEDULE The Permanent Al Fresco Program for the City of Los Angeles went into effect on January 31, 2024. Under the permanent program, all temporary permits under the COVID-19 emergency order will no longer be valid after July 31, 2024. If you wish to continue offering al fresco dining at your restaurant, you must apply for a permit under the permanent program. The City of Los Angeles hosted a series of monthly Webinars to answer any questions and provide additional guidance to all restaurant business owners.
LA Restaurants Leadership Roundtable: Path for Full-Service Restaurant Growth in California. Focus on Viability and Profitability. Discussion led by Amanda Ho, Co-Owner & CEO, Great Maple AUG 19 ● 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Marmalade Cafe – El Segundo 2014 Park Pl # C4, El Segundo, CA 90245
