Washington Examiner

Chef and restaurant owner criticizes California’s burdensome workplace violence prevention bill.

Celebrity Chef Slams California ⁢Legislation,⁢ Says It Punishes Businesses for​ Trying to Stop Crime

Celebrity chef and restaurateur Andrew Gruel has strongly criticized⁤ California legislation aimed at⁤ protecting employees from violence at their job sites. In a passionate post‍ on X, the​ platform formerly known as Twitter, Gruel expressed his concerns ​about ⁢Senate Bill 553, stating that it‌ would punish businesses for ⁢”trying to stop a crime in progress.”

Gruel emphasized that instead of focusing on prosecuting criminals, the state government has invested time and resources in drafting, passing, and amending a bill that imposes additional burdens on business owners. The bill requires businesses, including security guards, to⁣ develop a “violence prevention plan,” which Gruel ​believes will hinder their ability to intervene during criminal incidents.

According to⁤ the⁢ bill‌ text, businesses would be obligated to⁣ establish and maintain an effective workplace violence‌ prevention program in all work areas. Failure ⁣to comply with ⁢this requirement would result in fines and penalties for businesses.

Rampant Theft Incidents Plague⁢ California⁣ Businesses

Businesses,⁣ particularly grocery and convenience stores, ​in⁢ major cities across California have been ‍facing a surge in theft incidents. Mobs of thieves have been wreaking havoc, causing significant losses for these⁢ establishments.

High-end retail⁣ stores in Beverly Hills have ⁣been hit hard by smash-and-grab gang robberies, leading to⁣ numerous closures. Retailers ‍and restaurants, including Barneys New York, Escada, Chanel, Rite Aid, and Barnes & Noble, have been⁤ forced to shut down ​due to burglaries and the rise in crime.

San Francisco has also experienced a retail exodus due to crime and homelessness. The ‍downtown Westfield Mall, consisting ⁤of 70 stores, had to relinquish ownership of‌ the shopping center. Whole Foods recently closed its flagship ⁤store in downtown San Francisco to prioritize the safety of its workers.

Opposition from Business Associations

The California Chamber ‌of Commerce,⁣ the‍ California Retailers Association, and the California Grocers ​Association ⁤have vehemently opposed this ‍measure, deeming it impractical for employers to implement.

The Occupational Safety and Health ‌Administration already requires workplaces to ⁢be free from recognized hazards. ‍However, this new legislation would impose additional ⁤penalties on⁣ employers who violate occupational safety or health standards.

The bill is currently awaiting​ a full vote in the‌ California Assembly. If approved, it will be⁤ signed into law by the governor, making it⁣ the first​ of its kind in ‍the nation.

Click here to read more from The⁤ Washington Examiner



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