In this episode of CRA News You Need to Know, Courtney explains why SB 690 is a critical bill for California restaurants. Learn how it would help stop abusive CIPA lawsuits targeting businesses over routine website activity and how you can support the CRA's advocacy efforts by responding to the latest Action Alert.

Take Action: https://www.votervoice.net/mobile/CRA/Campaigns/138361/Respond

DISCLAIMER: Stock media used in this video are sourced from Canva and other royalty-free sites. Audio: Indie Times_Positive Dvir Zilverstone

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

California’s SB 1053 plastic bag ban is causing confusion in the restaurant industry but does it apply to restaurants?

In this episode of Ask CRA on the Confidential Bulletin, Jackie Gutierrez talks with Alden Parker of Fisher Phillips to break down:

• Which businesses are covered under SB 1053

• Why most traditional restaurants may be exempt

• The “gray areas” operators need to watch for

• How hybrid concepts, grocery locations, and gas station restaurants could be impacted

• Why local city ordinances may still apply even if the state law doesn’t

If you operate in California, this is an important compliance conversation to watch.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of CRA News You Need to Know, Courtney shares an update on the SB 343 lawsuit and the recent court hearing on our request for a preliminary injunction. SB 343 would limit when packaging and products can be labeled as "recyclable" in California, even if they are in fact recyclable. The lawsuit challenges the law, arguing that it restricts businesses from providing truthful information to consumers. Learn more about the legal challenge and how SB 343 undermines recycling efforts and limits free speech, and what operators should be watching as the case moves forward.

DISCLAIMER: Stock media used in this video are sourced from Canva and other royalty-free sites. Audio: Indie Times_Positive Dvir Zilverstone

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of Ask CRA on the Confidential Bulletin, Jackie Gutierrez of the California Restaurant Association is joined by legal experts Bruno Katz and John Guarino from Wilson Elser to break down one of the most critical risk areas facing restaurants today: harassment and discrimination claims in the workplace.

They share practical guidance on how claims develop, why documentation is essential, how to respond to complaints, and what employers often get wrong when managing sensitive workplace issues. The conversation covers California’s protected categories, retaliation risks, training requirements, and how to build stronger policies to prevent costly legal exposure.

Whether you’re an operator, manager, or HR lead, this episode offers steps to protect your team, culture, and business.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mental health challenges and workplace burnout are becoming more common across the restaurant industry, especially in high-stress front and back-of-house environments. In this episode of Ask CRA on the Confidential Bulletin, Jackie Gutierrez is joined by Bruno Katz and John Guarino of Wilson Elser to discuss practical strategies and legal considerations for supporting employee mental health in the workplace.

The conversation covers:

• Recognizing signs of burnout and stress

• Understanding workplace accommodations and the interactive process

• What managers should and should not ask employees

• Documentation and compliance best practices

• Workplace violence prevention requirements in California

• Creating a supportive workplace culture that protects both employees and employers

Tune in for actionable guidance to help restaurant operators build healthier workplaces and reduce compliance risks.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Courtney is back with the CRA News You Need to Know. Today’s update covers the June 1 SB 54 deadline and what restaurants must know about California’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations.

The big question: Could your restaurant be considered a “producer” under the law?

While many restaurants that use standard supplier-provided food service ware may not be subject to the June 1 registration deadline, restaurants that sell branded packaged products, private-label items, or import covered materials likely have compliance obligations that are now just days away.

In this quick update, you’ll learn:

• When a restaurant may qualify as a producer
• What factors determine compliance obligations
• Where to find the latest CalRecycle guidance and CRA compliance resources

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

California’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations are now in effect and directly impact virtually every industry, including restaurants. Courtney summarizes the objectives of the regulation, how to determine if your business qualifies as a “producer,” the next key compliance deadline, and the CRA’s ongoing efforts to address costly and conflicting regulations affecting neighborhood restaurants statewide.

RESOURCE:

Producer Guidance from CalRecycle: https://calrecycle.ca.gov/packaging/packaging-epr/producerguidance/?_hsmi=28411720

DISCLAIMER: Stock media used in this video are sourced from Canva and other royalty-free sites. Audio: Indie Times_Positive Dvir Zilverstone

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of News You Need to Know, Courtney breaks down three bills aimed at reducing delays and easing operations for restaurants:

• AB 2418: Sets firm timelines for permit reviews and inspections
• AB 1915: Allows self-certification for routine equipment replacements
• AB 1740: Sets new precedent for regulatory flexibility in “Coastal Zones”

These reforms are part of the CRA’s continued advocacy to streamline processes, reduce costs, and support restaurant operators statewide. Stay informed and stay ahead.

DISCLAIMER: Stock media used in this clip are sourced from Canva and other royalty-free sites. Audio: Indie Times_Positive Dvir Zilverstone

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.