Businesses

Wave of Change: Nineteen States Join California in Enacting Consumer Privacy Laws — What This Means for Businesses and Consumers Alike

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In a sweeping trend that underscores growing concerns about digital privacy, 19 states have enacted consumer privacy regulations following California’s pioneering efforts. These laws vary significantly, however, posing complex challenges for businesses striving for compliance. As various states tailor their legislation to address specific concerns, the landscape of privacy laws across the U.S. continues to evolve, with some states implementing laws this year and others planning to do so by 2025 and 2026. Most of the recently enacted state laws share commonalities with the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), but each contains unique provisions that … Read more

Gig Economy Firm Temper Works Accused of Helping Businesses Circumvent New UK Tipping and Employment Laws

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Amsterdam, Netherlands – A leading gig economy firm, Temper Works, is facing scrutiny for advising hospitality businesses on how to sidestep new UK legislation designed to ensure fair tipping practices and to mitigate the use of precarious zero-hours contracts. The company, which started its UK operations in 2022, serves over 5,000 entities including notable clients like Hard Rock Cafe, Alexandra Palace, and Claridge’s. Temper Works markets its services to restaurants, hotels, and bars by promoting the exclusion of freelancers from recent tipping legislation, which mandates the inclusion of agency workers in tip-sharing schemes. According to … Read more

Queens Court Halts Construction of Controversial Bike Lane Amid Safety Concerns from Local Businesses

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In Queens, New York, a proposed bike lane that would cut through Long Island City’s industrial area has been temporarily halted by a local judge. The decision came after area business owners raised legal concerns, arguing the plans were advanced without thorough safety evaluations. The business community along Review Avenue challenged the Department of Transportation (DOT), pointing out that their safety concerns were overlooked in the planning of the new bike route. The stretch in question is known for heavy and complex traffic patterns, often dominated by large trucks and frequent double-parking, which could prove … Read more

St. Louis Repeals Outdated Nighttime Ban on Barber Shops, Breaking Barriers for Black Businesses

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St. Louis, Missouri – Night owls in need of a trim or a fresh shave will soon find it easier as St. Louis repeals an old law that previously prohibited barbershops from operating past 10 p.m. This outdated regulation, largely understood as targeting predominantly Black-owned businesses, limited how late these shops could serve their communities. The change is not only an effort to modernize business operations but also a strike against what many see as a racially biased law. The ordinance in question dates back over a century, originally instated with the claim of preventing … Read more