Downtown Los Angeles Restaurant Sparks Controversy with New ‘Security Charge’ on Diners’ Bills

Los Angeles, California – A downtown restaurant in Los Angeles has instituted a “security charge” on its customers’ bills, sparking discussion about unexpected surcharges becoming more prevalent. Perch, a popular rooftop bar and restaurant near Pershing Square, includes an extra 4.5% fee on all checks to ensure the safety of its staff and guests, according to a Perch employee named Melody Lin. The restaurant’s website states that the charge remains with the establishment to cover safety and security resources. The attention to this fee was first drawn by a Reddit post from a user named … Read more

When Can a Restaurant Refuse Service? Understanding the Legalities and Boundaries

HAWTHORNE, California – Ever wonder when a restaurant can refuse to serve someone? In a recent incident at a local coffee shop, a customer became disruptive and was eventually asked to leave by the manager. The question arises: what are the circumstances under which an establishment can refuse service? Under both federal and state law, it is illegal to discriminate against someone based on race, color, religion, citizenship, disability, sex or gender identification, sexual orientation, marital status, or medical or genetic information. Therefore, a restaurant must have a legitimate reason for refusing to serve someone. … Read more

California Restaurant Billionaire Greg Flynn to Raise Panera Workers’ Wages to $20 per Hour Amid Controversy

Sacramento, California – California restaurant billionaire Greg Flynn, who was originally thought to be exempt from the state’s new $20 fast-food minimum wage law, has announced that he will now raise the pay of his employees to $20 per hour after all. Flynn, a significant donor to Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom, came under scrutiny when it was reported that his Panera franchises would benefit from a “bread exemption” loophole that would allow them to avoid the higher minimum wage by producing and selling bread on the premises. Following public backlash, Flynn stated that he never … Read more

Local Idaho Falls Restaurant Ordered to Pay $319,000 for Violating Tip Sharing and Child Labor Laws

Idaho Falls, Idaho – Mackenzie River Pizza, a local restaurant in Idaho Falls, has been ordered to pay a hefty sum of over $319,000 for engaging in illegal tip sharing, child labor, and violations of overtime work laws. The U.S. Department of Labor announced on Wednesday that the owners of the restaurant, Granite Mountain Restaurants LLC and MRP Idaho Falls LLC, were found guilty of multiple labor law violations related to employee payment, tip distribution, and the hiring of underage workers. According to a news release issued by the Department of Labor, a U.S. District … Read more