Check out what food related laws are in place

by Alexander Quebec

The new year is here and so are the new laws coming to California. But what are some of these laws that are kicking in? While selfies with ballots are now legal and simply holding a mobile device is worthy of a ticket, we wanted to know what new food laws have been passed, here are 4 laws going into effect today.

Salons can now serve limited amounts of complimentary beer and wine. The “Drybar bill” (AB1322), named after the salon in support of the practice, has faced stiff opposition in the legislature from alcohol control groups and others, stating that it’s a public health and safety issue, while those in support of the bill state that it’s a common practice within the industry. To date, only the state of Maryland has a bill similar to this one. One more thing, they can only offer the drinks before 10 P.M.

The manufacture, distribution and sale of powdered alcohol is now illegal in the state of California (AB1554). California and 25 other states have enacted other similar bans. Powdered alcohol was developed in 1966 by Sato Foods Industries in Japan and was brought over to the USA in 1977. Opponents claim that it is easily concealed and can be abused or misused by those who don’t understand it’s potency, while proponents say that it would be regulated as an alcoholic beverage and makes an efficient alternative to travelers on planes and those wishing to consume alcohol without having to carry liquor bottles on them.

AB 1747 Now requires all Public and private colleges that serve food to students, faculty and staff to apply for a program that provides meals for the homeless. The new bill was designed to help low income students who may not have the opportunity to have regular meals or the ability to store food for later consumption.

The state minimum wage is going up to $10.50 for workplaces employing 26 people or more. This has been a contentious issue both in California and throughout the nation. To stem the tide many restaurants have raised prices, but have also instituted a no tipping policy to help their staff earn a living wage. Opponents say that raising the minimum wage would hamper the growth of businesses, restaurants included, while proponents say that increases in minimum wages actually add back into the local economy through increased spending power.

We’re sure you have questions, be sure to check out https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml or with your local agencies for more info on these laws and others making their way through the legislature. Want to know who represents you in California? Click on this link to find out.

Did we miss anything? What do you think of the new laws? Let us know in the comments below.

Source: http://www.ocregister.com/articles/california-739867-laws-guns.html