Labor
Minimum wage increases go into effect in three states, major cities
The Hill 7/1
Higher minimum wages will go into effect for workers in Illinois, Nevada and Oregon, as well as a handful of major cities, starting July 1… A slew of smaller cities in California are also slated for an increase.
California extends unemployment benefits by 7 more weeks
San Francisco Chronicle 7/1
Jobless Californians could get up to seven additional weeks of unemployment benefits, bringing the maximum duration to 59 weeks for those on regular state unemployment and 46 weeks for those receiving Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, according to an Employment Development Department announcement Wednesday.
Food Industry Policy
Have Bay Area restaurants been following COVID-19 rules? Here’s what we know
San Francisco Chronicle 7/2
In recent weeks, all Bay Area counties have allowed restaurants to restart outdoor dining operations, with some reopening indoor dining, too — until Gov. Gavin Newsom ended that practice Wednesday in three of those counties due to surging coronavirus outbreaks.
Indoor restaurants shut down in 72% of California for three weeks
CALmatters 7/1
Beaches and bars were just the beginning. California Gov. Gavin Newsom today ordered indoor portions of restaurants, entertainment centers, museums and other businesses in counties with growing coronavirus outbreaks to shut down for at least three weeks.
How Newsom’s shutdown of indoor dining will affect O.C. restaurants
The Orange County Register 7/1
Facing a surge in COVID-19 cases on the eve of a major holiday, California Gov. Gavin Newsom ordered Southern California counties to close indoor operations at restaurants, wineries and tasting rooms for at least three weeks.
Restaurants Want to Completely Close These SF Streets to Allow Outdoor Dining
Eater, San Francisco 7/1
The goal behind San Francisco’s Shared Spaces program is to allow the city’s restaurants an option beyond takeout and delivery to feed hungry patrons.
San Francisco’s Plan to Reopen Bars Is on an Indefinite Hold
Eater, San Francisco 7/1
San Francisco’s bar business might still have whiplash from last week’s bar back-and-forth.
New Mask Rules Mean SF Diners Must Keep Their Faces Covered for Most of Their Meals
Eater, San Francisco 7/1
San Francisco is upping its mask game yet again, issuing new, stricter rules for mask use while dining — rules officials say will be enforced starting on Wednesday.
On the Side
National Restaurant Association aims to reassure the public about safety
Restaurant Business 7/1
The National Restaurant Association said it plans to launch a nationwide safety and marketing campaign later this summer to reassure consumers that they’re being protected from coronavirus while dining at participating restaurants.
McDonald’s Pauses Reopening as COVID Surges Nationwide
QSR Magazine July 2020
In what might end up the first major fast-food domino to fall, McDonald’s Wednesday announced plans to pause U.S. dine-in reopening for three weeks. This as cases spike nationwide and states continue to roll back recovery efforts.
