The Wine Press: The Fees Are Too Damn High!

Today in Wine News: California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed State Bill 1524 - The Consumers Legal Remedies Act. Effective as of July 1, the famous “junk fee ban” will be in place throughout California, with a few major exceptions specifically created for the food service industry. The amendment that provides the legal loophole for restaurants to charge service fees was just signed by Governor Newsom on Saturday, June 29, a last minute change after many restaurants had announced fee hikes and even restaurant closures.

Many consumers are upset about the restaurant loophole. So why have restaurant owners, delivery services, and the best lawyers in California fought to keep service fees in place? Keep listening to learn how the amended junk fee ban affects restaurants, bars, and the foodies that love them.

Photo Credit: Dean Drobot/Shutterstock

In other news, here are some additional highlights from the week:

Spanish laboratories have found success with two grapes related to Tempranillo that may offset the effects of climate change.

• “Tempranillo grape relatives show promise in climate study” (Noah Chichester/Decanter)

Most people turn lemons into lemonade, but Durant Vineyards in Willamette Valley has turned their smoke-tainted grapes into barbeque sauce.

• “Oregon winery turns 800 cases of tainted Pinot into BBQ sauce” (Sarah Neish/The Drinks Business)

Funeral services for acclaimed winemaker Warren Winiarski were held last week.

• “Hundreds Pay Homage to Stag's Leap Wine Cellars' Visionary Founder Warren Winiarski and His Multifaceted Life” (Pam Strayer/Wine Business)

FOR MORE INFORMATION

• SB-1524 Consumers Legal Remedies Act: advertisements: restaurant, bar, and other food services. (California Legislative Information)

• “That service fee on your restaurant bill will stay for now, but what’s it for?” (Heather Irwin/Press Democrat)

• “Restaurant surcharges are officially an exemption to the California junk fee law”  (Joanna Fantozzi/Nation’s Restaurant News)

• “San Francisco’s Hidden Fee Drama in Restaurants Explained” (Jeff Gibson/Kintsugi)

• “Service fees still on the menu at Bay Area restaurants” (Kate Murphy and Megan Rose Dickey/Axios)

• “Bay Area restaurants react to new Calif. law with anger, shock” (Madeline Wills/SF Gate)

• “90% Of Zuni Servers Have Left the Restaurant Due To No-Tipping Policy; Policy May Still Be Revised” (Jay Barmann/SFist)

• “Should restaurant surcharge fees be illegal? More than 1,000 readers weighed in” (Mario Cortez/San Francisco Chronicle)

• Good Good Culture Club’s statement about their in-house Equitable Compensation Fee

• Non-Monetary Ways to Help Restaurants (Good Good Culture Club)