With the Department of Labor’s proposed overtime revisions, the NRA and several small business owners have voiced their opinions and concerns about what this will do to small business owners and restaurants. One restaurant owner from Idaho, Kevin Settles, spoke during a Small Business Committee hearing stating the things he believes are a major concern […]
Proposed Changes to New Mexico Food Code
The State Department has drafted proposed changes to the New Mexico food code. The New Mexico Environment Department’s Food Program is proposing major changes to the state’s food regulations covering the operation of restaurants, mobile and temporary food establishments, and food processors. The proposed changes include adoption of the 2013 FDA Food Code and requirements […]
EMV Requirements and your Restaurant
Everything you Need to Know About EMV EMV credit and debit cards have a chip inside that helps to protect the owner from fraud and theft. These chips have been used in other countries around the world for years, and as the U.S. is now on board. You likely have been hearing about the October […]
DOL Releases Proposed Overtime Rules
Overtime rules and overtime pay has a huge effect on your bottom line. This past Tuesday, the Department of Labor released proposed rules that will govern how your restaurant addresses overtime. The proposed rules would greatly impact the labor costs of restaurant operators– especially with regards to salaried managers who may work over 40 hours. […]
Service Charge vs Tip
Service Charge vs Tip: Can a Restaurant Charge a “Gratitude Fee”? 1. “Gratitude Fee” – If this is the notice the owner puts on the menu, it is understandable why customers may be confused whether or not they have discretion to pay. In law, a “tip” is a gratuity given the server by a customer. The customer […]
New Mexico Temporary License
TAKE THE TEMP (the New Mexico Temporary License)- IT’S VALID AND OFFICIAL As of April 21, 2008, the state of New Mexico began using a new secure driver’s license to protect New Mexicans from identity theft. Verification of identity take s a few weeks, and licenses will be processed and mailed from a central facility. […]
Minimum Wage Bernalillo County
Bernalillo County Minimum Wage Increase Postponed What: The minimum wage increase that was set to go into effect 1/1/2015 for Bernalillo County has been postponed indefinitely. The increase would have been from $8.50 to $8.65 per hour. Starting tipped wage remains at $2.13 plus tips to equal $8.50 or more. Who and Where: The postponement […]
Minimum Wage in Las Cruces Timeline Delayed
Las Cruces Delays Two Portions Minimum Wage Increase Timeline for Changes Provided The Las Cruces City Council has voted to delay steps two and three of a three-step plan to implement a higher minimum wage. A more reasonable timeline has been established for the second and third increases, hopefully allowing business owners to have more […]
Card Check Legislation – Harrell Letter to the Editor
Card Check Legislation – Harrell Letter to the Editor Jerry Harrell, NMRA Chair of the Government Affairs Committtee, recently sent the following letter to the editor regarding HR 800, Card Check Legislation being considered in the US Senate. Dear Editor: I just heard about HR800 passed by the House and currently being considered by the […]
Health Departments Adopt FDA Model Food Code
Health Departments Adopt FDA Model Food Code The City of Albuquerque has adopted the 2009 FDA Model Food Code. NMRA was in favor of the adoption of the Model Food Code but we were opposed to the nearly double increase in inspection fees. However, the new ordinance in its entirety was passed on October 4, 2010. City […]