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.
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