Arizona restaurant and tourism businesses struggle to hire employees
Arizona businesses in the restaurant and tourism industry are struggling to keep up with demand with a labor shortage as COVID-19 guidelines ease up. Author: Joe Dana Updated: 5:10 PM MST April 6, 2021
PHOENIX As COVID-19 case numbers show continual declines, the state is opening its doors to more customers and tourists.
But, there’s a problem. It s one that business owners would normally love to have.
They can’t keep up with demand.
“We’ve had other years where there’s been a labor shortage,” said Dan Bogert, CEO of the Arizona Restaurant Association. “I think this is a little bit different in that it’s nationwide and it’s industry-wide.”
Capitol Media Services
PHOENIX Doing something gross with food that isn t yours in hopes of getting hits on your YouTube, Facebook or Instagram account could soon land you behind bars.
With only one dissenting vote, the Senate Commerce Committee voted Wednesday to make it a crime to intentionally contaminate food, drink, water or other products intended for consumption by another person.
Just the act itself would be a Class 2 misdemeanor, carrying up to four months in jail and a $750 fine.
But if someone else actually eats or drinks the product, the offenders is looking at up to six months in jail and up to $2,500 in financial penalties. And that same law would apply if the damage is more than $1,000, whether in food that needs to be tossed or loss of business for an establishment.
Storyblocks
There may be legal penalties coming for Arizonans who intentionally contaminate food or drink that isn t theirs.
Inspired by viral videos like last year’s Blue Bell Challenge with people licking ice cream in grocery store freezers, the state Senate Commerce Committee voted Wednesday to make actions like that a misdemeanor crime. Some are concerned the measure is too broad.
Sen. J.D. Mesnard (R-Chandler) supports the bill, but says the proposed penalties need to be adjusted, depending on the efforts publicizing the contamination.
“The reason I’m supporting this is I’m far more concerned about what a video like that posted online could do to that business. That could just be utterly devastating,” Mesnard said.