5 state and local issues for 2019

California and a number of localities have already passed bills specifying default beverage choices in restaurant kids meals, including limiting sodas to on-request only, triggering menu and advertising changes. Look for the trend to spread.

New rules on advance notice for employee schedules will continue to be a major issue as additional cities such as Chicago consider mandates.

Localities are increasingly focused on environmental restrictions, such as banning certain packaging material or restricting the use of straws.

“Whenever the tip credit has been threatened, tipped employees have fought back to preserve the existing tipping system,” says the Association’s Mike Whatley, VP of state and local affairs. Washington, D.C., and Michigan have gone through these fights recently; New Jersey is now engaged.

California jurisdictions are reportedly thinking about new rules for restaurants that work with third-party delivery services, including food safety and data privacy rules.