RESTAURANT ALERT ICYMI: Gift card cashouts enforcement starting 4/1/26
SB 22 (Laird) requires businesses to make their physical and electronic gift cards/certificates with a value of less than $15 redeemable for their equivalent cash amount. Please be sure to update your written policies and terms, inform employees regarding these updated requirements, and update any point-of-sale system limitations to ensure compliance with SB 22 by April 1, 2026.
As a reminder, CRA negotiated the cash-out value down from $25, eliminated compliance traps, and POS posting requirements.
If you have questions, consult your attorney, accountant, other appropriate professional, or review CRA's updated Industry Insight in the Compliance Library. CRA members receive one legal consultation (not to exceed 15 minutes) each month through the Legal Center.
San Diego restaurants are closing fast, and the red tape is only part of the math
"San Diego has always had restaurant turnover, but the last year has felt less like normal churn and more like a slow-motion shakeout. Closures are stacking up across neighborhoods, and the pattern is no longer confined to one cuisine, one price point, or one part of town."
Capture every phone order and monitor floor operations effortlessly. Palona's Al handles your Voice and Catering revenue while Vision tracks table availability in real-time. Integrate seamlessly and focus on what matters most: your guests.
NRA RESOURCE ICYMI Webinar: Compliance, communication, and response: immigration essentials for restaurants
The National Restaurant Association and the Restaurant Law Center hosted a webinar with Fisher Phillips attorneys Alden J. Parker and Jocelyn Campanaro on immigration-related compliance. The session covers communicating with employees about immigration topics and key considerations for restaurant operators and HR professionals when responding to enforcement activity.
CRA LEGAL PARTNER CONTENT Divergent: Two federal courts chart seemingly opposite paths on work product protection for AI-generated materials
Two federal courts reached opposite conclusions on whether AI-generated materials are protected in litigation. The rulings highlight that privilege or work-product protection may depend on who used the AI, why it was used, and whether counsel was involved.
The 2026 State of the Restaurant Industry report offers key sales projections and trends based on expert analyses and surveys. In a challenging business climate, operators must rely on creativity and technology to meet shifting consumer demands.
NEW EPISODE ALERT SB 294 explained: California Workplace Know Your Rights Act for employers
On another episode of Confidential Bulletin Podcast: Ask CRA, Laura Pierson-Scheinberg and Alan Acosta of Jackson Lewis P.C. break down California’s SB 294 Workplace Know Your Rights Act. Learn who must comply, key notice requirements, deadlines, and practical steps employers can take now to avoid penalties.
CRA LEGAL PARTNER CONTENT Five things California employers need to understand about at-will employment
California is technically an at-will employment state. However, in practice, this status has many exceptions. Employers who treat at-will employment as permission to terminate anyone at any time risk expensive lawsuits. Here are five key points every California employer should know about the at-will doctrine.
While all information released by the California Restaurant Association (CRA) is intended to provide accurate information on the subject covered, the CRA does not provide legal advice and any information provided by the CRA shall not constitute legal advice. You are encouraged to consult your attorney, accountant, or other appropriate professional, as needed.
Confidentiality note:
This electronic message transmission contains information from the California Restaurant Association which may be confidential or privileged. The information is intended to be for the use of the individual or entity named above. If you are not the intended recipient, be aware that any disclosure, copying, distribution or use of the contents of this information is prohibited.
If you have received this electronic transmission in error, please immediately notify us by telephone at 800.765.4842.
%20(1).jpg?upscale=true&width=220&upscale=true&name=02-Paylocity-Logo-horizontal%20(002)%20(1).jpg){kind=logo}
.jpg?upscale=true&width=120&upscale=true&name=BMI_Logo_Box_HIres%20(1).jpg){kind=logo}
.png?upscale=true&width=320&upscale=true&name=BOV_2026_Logo_2026%20BOV%20Logo%20(002).png){kind=logo}
