legislation

As statewide smoking ban burns out in capitol, cities go it alone

Feb. 26, 2015

Bills looking to snuff out cigarette use—and pre-empt a patchwork of local regulations on smoking—have failed to fly in the past four legislative sessions. The state restaurant association favors a statewide ban.

Operations

Missouri cracks down on underreported tips

Feb. 15, 2015

The state Department of Revenue is conducting more than 1,000 audits comparing cash tips reported by restaurants to tips tracked through credit cards; so far restaurants have been fined more than $40,000.

Workforce

$15 min. wage in Seattle, San Francisco claims first casualties

Jan. 01, 2015

Larger employers are moving out, while some small businesses like restaurants are deciding now’s the time to throw in the napkin.

The week’s 5 head-spinning moments

By Peter Romeo on Jan. 24, 2014

Fast casual’s latest theft, quality really is king, servers learn to love tech, fuggedabout New York’s new political slap and a growth demon picks up the pace.

Portland restaurateurs tell mayor not to raise minimum wage

Aug. 21, 2014

At a contentious public hearing, Portland, Maine restaurant owners told the mayor that a proposed hike to $10.68 by 2017 would hike up payroll expenses for businesses barely making ends meet.

Seattle city auditor: No more kid gloves for violators of sick leave ordinance

Oct. 20, 2014

After a one-year honeymoon when businesses failing to comply were cautioned by letter to change their policies, a city agency says it’s ready to take sterner action against employers who fail to abide.