Only seven states and one territory require that tipped workers receive the same minimum wage as other workers: Alaska, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Washington State, and Guam.  Other states allow what is called a “tip credit” against the minimum wage, i.e., their tips are considered part of their wage for purposes of minimum wage.  Needless to say, the District of Columbia has not been one of those states. However, in June 2018, DC voters passed an initiative raising the minimum wage of tipped workers to $15.  Continue reading →

Zoning is one of the stickiest issues I run into when it comes to new businesses, but particularly those businesses which fall into the “industrial use” category, as breweries often do.  Not only will zoning determine whether the business is an “allowed use” in a particular location, but even if it is an allowed use, zoning regulations may also specify the extent of activities that are allowed.   Moreover, the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control will require a form that shows your use is allowed.   Continue reading →