California new laws for 2025: Cannabis cafes and entertainment zones
Starting Jan. 1, alcohol and cannabis sales could expand in some parts of California thanks to two new laws that aim to increase central city foot traffic, which has yet to fully recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. Senate Bill 969, authored by state Sen. Scott Weiner, will let local governments designate “entertainment zones,” where bars and restaurants can sell alcoholic beverages for people to drink on public streets and sidewalks. AB 1775 legalizes Amsterdam-style cannabis cafes, allowing lounges to also sell food and drinks that aren’t pre-packaged.
4 California eateries named on Yelp’s 2024 Best New Restaurants List
Four California restaurants were named on Yelp’s annual Best New Restaurant List for 2024. A total of 25 restaurants were featured. The four California restaurants named on the list were: Kinme Omakase (San Diego), Burnin’ Shell (Los Angeles), BoujieMana (San Diego), and Paseo (Anaheim).
WILSON ELSER WEBINAR Employment Challenges in Hospitality
Join Bruno Katz as he presents a Wilson Elser Forum on “Employment Challenges in Hospitality.” During this session, Bruno will address the current state of key employment laws and issues from the perspective of a hospitality organization. More topics include relevant laws, prevention strategies, and practical real-world scenarios. Bruno will also discuss employee rights and how the hospitality organization can address those challenges to avoid claims.
National Funding has provided tailored financing to over 75,000 U.S. business owners—including many in the restaurant business. Our Funding Specialists understand your needs and will work with you 1-on-1 to create a solution that sets up your success.
Raising the minimum wage is popular. Are Republicans listening?
Minimum wage increases will take effect on New Year’s Day in 48 cities and counties in the U.S. as jurisdictions across the country raise pay floors for workers burdened by rising post-pandemic prices. A report released last week from the National Employment Law Project found that the minimum wage will reach $15 in eight states and 47 cities and counties. NELP also found that additional wage increases will take effect in 28 jurisdictions later in the year.
Trump's deportations could shake up the restaurant industry
Wall Street is wagering that Trump’s tough talk on immigration is a bluff ahead of a more limited crackdown that won’t uproot the restaurant industry’s immigrant-heavy workforce. PIIE estimated prices in the service sector would rise 1.7% if the Trump administration deported 1.3 million workers, or to rise 11% if the administration fulfilled its commitment of deporting all working immigrants in the country illegally, which the Pew Center estimates at 8.3 million.
As an employer and a foodservice operator, you are legally required to post several notices informing your employees of their rights. The All-On-One labor law poster displays the mandatory State and Federal labor laws plus the required Industrial Welfare Commission posting.
IFPack is a California based packaging manufacturer and proud CRA member focusing on high quality stock and custom printed paper bowls and cups. Supporting California based production eliminates supply chain risk.
CRA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT EisnerAmper Q&A from the CRA — a short read
Get to know CRA Allied Member EisnerAmper, formerly “KROST” – they provide restaurant specific bookkeeping, accounting and tax work for the restaurant industry. No matter the size, all restaurant companies need quick, accurate, detailed financial reporting to continually make adjustments in this highly competitive industry.
CRA BOARD MEMBER SPOTLIGHT 5 things: Restaurant chain Urban Plates opening first local site this week
Are you in need of an easy meal or two after the holiday season? Look no further than Urban Plates, which recently opened its first location in the Sacramento area last week. Everything is made from scratch, and with fair pricing, you and your wallet will be pleased!
NEWS YOU NEED TO KNOW New laws, fresh faces, and a fond farewell from Sabrina
The 2025-26 legislative session has officially begun, welcoming 36 new lawmakers to the state Capitol. The CRA Advocacy Team is already connecting with these fresh faces to address key restaurant-related issues. Lawmakers will return to Sacramento the first week of January, and the formal introduction of bills has already started. Notable updates include Senate Bill 17, which proposes a tax exemption for tips, and Senate Bill 22, which revisits the rules for cashing out gift cards. Additionally, this marks Sabrina's final episode of "News You Need to Know" after nine impactful years, as she passes the torch to Sara. Happy holidays, and farewell from Sabrina!
LEGAL PARTNER CONTENT Reminder for employers: Compliance with SB 476 Food Handler Card requirements
As 2024 draws to a close, California employers are reminded of their obligations under SB 476, which took effect on January 1, 2024. This law requires employers to pay for obtaining food handler cards and compensate employees for time spent on training and testing. Zaller Law Group reviews five key aspects of SB 476 that California employers should consider.
Do you have questions? CRA members receive one call (not exceeding 15 minutes) of legal advice monthly from one of our legal partners. Learn more.
Use it or lose it! Year end is nearing, and that means you’ll need to use your FSA funds before they expire. And, when you use your FSA combined with Optum Perks, you can save even more money.
