Controversial bartender ‘glove law’ quashed

A controversial law requiring bartenders in California to wear disposable gloves when garnishing their drinks has been repealed.

A controversial amendment to a food safety law in California requiring bartenders to wear gloves, has been repealed

According to the Associated Press, bartenders and chefs can now resume barehanded contact with food under a bill repealing the unpopular legislation in California.

In January this year, the state made changes to its Retail Food Code that required bartenders to wear disposable gloves or use other utensils when handling ingredients.

The code was tweaked following the bid by California Governor Jerry Brown to combat foodborne illnesses in the state.

A petition was launched later the same month by Alameda bartender Josh Miller, who criticised the law for its “ridiculous unintended consequences”.

Many opponents said the ban disrupts hand-washing routines, generates unnecessary waste of disposable gloves and restricts them in completing their work to a high standard.

It was later revealed in February that the bill’s author, Assemblyman Richard Pan, was seeking to overturn the law, which is set to come into affect on 1 July this year.

After passing at the senate, its repeal now awaits the signature of California governor Jerry Brown, who is expected to sign the amended bill this week.

There are currently 41 other states in the US that have legislation prohibiting barehanded contact with food in restaurants and bars.