1NRA responds to Senate jobs bill
WASHINGTON—The National Restaurant Association applauded elements of the $15 billion jobs bill that passed the U.S. Senate by a vote of 70 to 28. In a letter sent earlier to members of the Senate, the NRA said it supported proposals in the bill that would extend the temporary increase in the annual amount small businesses can expense from $125,000 to $250,000. The association also backed provisions in the bill that provide a payroll tax holiday and tax credit for operators who hire and retain certain employees.
However, several other business-friendly provisions urged by the NRA did not make it into the final Senate bill. The first would have extended the 15-year depreciation schedule for restaurant improvements and new construction, lease-hold improvements, and retail improvements. This provision expired at the end of 2009, and shortened the schedule from the original 39-year write-off period.
2Voluntary menu labeling
COLUMBUS, OHIO—The city of Columbus is asking restaurateurs to voluntarily inform customers about their more healthful menu options. A group called the Healthy Choices Committee—which includes the Central Ohio Restaurant Association and the Columbus-based Donatos chain—is attempting to avoid mandatory menu-labeling laws already in place in a number of other cities and states. Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman said the city was not looking to force restaurants to adopt these measures. Instead, he said, the initiative would be made attractive enough for restaurants to want to participate through marketing and additional efforts. A spokesman for the committee also said that over time it hoped that operators would add calorie counts to menus.
3Posting inspection scores
NEW YORK—Some 70 New York City restaurateurs voiced their disapproval with the city’s proposal to rate health inspections with a letter grade and then require that the city’s 25,000-plus foodservice establishments prominently post the scores. The new proposal would change the scoring methods: A blue A would be highest, followed by a green B for a less-sanitary but still passing grade, and a yellow C would indicate a failed inspection. Restaurants with a B or C would have to be re-inspected in a month. All scores would have to be posted on an 8-inch-by-10-inch placard.
4Concealed weapons
RICHMOND, VA.—The Virginia Senate passed a measure by a vote of 22 to 18 that would allow concealed weapons permit holders to carry guns in restaurants that serve alcohol, providing the person carrying the weapon does not drink. The state House passed a similar bill. Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell has expressed support for the legislation and is expected to sign it.
5Food allergens
BOSTON—The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has introduced new regulations that would require restaurant employees to undergo training and education on how to prevent foods from becoming contaminated by other allergy-inducing items. The regulations, which will go into effect this summer, also require operators to post allergy alert stickers on all menus to remind guests to tell servers about whether they are allergic to any foods before the orders are placed.