California Judge Temporarily Halts Fast-Food Worker Law

Flags are flown at a car caravan and rally of fast-food workers and supporters for passage of Assembly Bill 257, a fast-food worker health and safety bill, in the Boyle Heights neighborhood of Los Angeles on April 16, 2021. Mario Tama/Getty Images

A Sacramento Superior Court judge Dec. 30 temporarily halted a new California fast food worker law—originally taking effect Jan. 1.

The temporary restraining order (pdf) was issued after a group of business owners and restaurateurs filed a lawsuit claiming the law would only raise food prices and other expenses for consumers while harming businesses.