The Insurance Family Blog

Employment Practices Liability Insurance

Posted by Susie Scherff on October 27, 2011 at 7:00 AM

Hiring and firing decisions are legal minefields that are best navigated by the use of Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI). It is important that your business (restaurant owners, auto services and garages, property management firms are some of the specializations at Sutherland-Scherff) have clear policies that are applied consistently to each employee.  Such policies must directly relate to the duties of their job.  Do you know what type of decisions could trigger a claim?  For example, is it legal to terminate:

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Topics: EPLI, auto service insurance, Employment practices liability insurance, California Restaurant Association, EPLI for restaurants, employment risk management, best practices for employment practices

California Business Owners: Are You More Vulnerable To Lawsuits Than You Think?

Posted by Susie Scherff on September 7, 2011 at 11:53 AM

California restaurateurs should be concerned about possible legal actions that can leave your cherished business crippled.  Have you really evaluated all of your risks involved with owning a restaurant?  There are so many to consider, including business insurance to protect your company.

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Topics: Business Insurance, California Restaurant Association

Important Information If You Own a Restaurant - Senate Bill 602

Posted by Susie Scherff on October 28, 2010 at 3:34 PM


If you own a restaurant you will need to become familiar with Senate Bill 602. This is the California Food Handler Card bill. This bill requires most of the state’s restaurant workers to be trained and certified in proper food handling by July 1, 2011. The legislation that created the law, Senate Bill 602, is aimed at reducing kitchen-to-table illnesses at California’s restaurants. A food handler is defined by the law as a person who is involved in the preparation, storage or service of food in a food facility. The Sacramento Bee reports that employees pay $15 for the program and the exam. The 2½ hour training program consist of a short course, either self-directed online or led by a trainer, and a test on the elements of food safety needed to handle and serve food, including:
  • Washing hands with soap and water before preparing food.
  • Thoroughly cooking meat and poultry.
  • Avoiding cross-contamination of food.
  • Reporting suspected food-borne illnesses to local health authorities.
Online courses will be available through The National Restaurant Association ( www.restaurant.org) and food safety website www.ServSafe.com. The food handler law was modeled after programs already in place for years in San Diego, Riverside and San Bernardino counties where foodborne illness outbreaks have decreased by 79 percent since the implementation of those measures, the bill’s backers said. These counties will be exempt from the new law. Others exempt from the law include certified farmers markets, school cafeterias and groceries and food facilities that provide in-house food safety training programs approved in other states and that are offered free during normal work hours. Food facilities subject to collective bargaining also are not covered, though the California Restaurant Association estimates that just 1-2 percent of the state’s restaurant workers are unionized. You can find additional information about this bill by going to the California Restaurant Association website www.calrest.org.
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Topics: California Restaurant Association, Senate Bill 602

C.R.A. Offers Advice on California Restaurant Insurance

Posted by Susie Scherff on August 19, 2010 at 4:04 PM

California restaurant owners have many resources at their food-serving fingertips, just by becoming a member of the California Restaurant Association.

Becoming a member is easy, and once you are a member you have their web services available 24 hours a day in addition to other useful tools. The California Restaurant Association acts as an advocate, legal advisor, information source and networking tool for their members. The Restaurant Membership provides a wealth of resources to run and grow your business and will promote your success both on a daily basis and over the long-term.

The CRA website has links to experts sharing professional expertise and a hotline available for any industry related question, or during a crisis. They also supply labor law advice, along with links to helpful documents and websites related to the industry.

Additionally, CRA members have access to discounts on several industry products and services after becoming a member. From natural gas, to email marketing solutions, to payroll options, there is a list with links ready for you to start saving on.

ServSafe education is always important for your new employees. The CRA offers education, tips, and seminars to keep your staff up to date on the most current rules and regulations while working in a restaurant.

They also offer California Restaurant Insurance Services. They know essential ingredients including yourself, your business, your employees and your customers can be protected and benefit with the correct coverage.
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Topics: restaurant insurance, California Restaurant Association