Category Archives: Miscellaneous

Food Service Providers Beware: New Jersey Regulates Kosher and Halal Foods

New Jersey is home to diverse and vibrant communities with roots stretching back to all parts of the world. Perhaps this is no surprise, as New Jersey has long represented a gateway to the United States for immigrants. While in days gone by Ellis Island was the port of entry, today many visitors and future residents arrive through the Newark airport and the other area airports. While some communities have been part of New Jersey’s cultural fabric for generations, others are just establishing themselves in the state. Many communities strive to establish businesses and traditions that remind them of what they left behind and that permit members of the community to live in accord with their closely held personal and religious beliefs. Perhaps two of the most well-known examples of this are Kosher foods and Halal foods.

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Do Not Call Compliance for Telemarketers: Avoiding Consumer Complaints

Both the New Jersey and federal governments enforce strict consumer protection laws, particularly with regard to telemarketing and sales calls.  Under what circumstances can consumers report your business for an alleged violation of these laws?  What sort of fines and civil penalties could your company be facing for a Do Not Call violation?  New Jersey consumer fraud lawyer Steven Jayson explains the rules telemarketing businesses must comply with — and the consequences if they do not.

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New Jersey Gyms and Health Clubs: Are You Registered and Compliant with State Regulations?

Gyms, weight-lifting facilities, and health clubs all provide a valuable service to the general public. They permit New Jerseyans to maintain their physical health and well-being even during the difficult winter months when exercise outdoors is impractical or even dangerous due to snow or ice. However, few people truly consider the amount of business and legal planning that is necessary to operate a successful fitness facility. Aside from ensuring that the business will be profitable and can sustain itself, sellers of health club services in the state must also comply with registration requirements and a number of government regulations.

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Pet Stores, Dog & Cat Breeders Beware: New Jersey is tightening its Regulations to be Toughest in the Nation

During the first week of February 2015, Governor Christie signed Senate Bill 1870 into law as the “Pet Purchase Protection Act” The act had previously found universal support in the State Assembly and Senate. The Act will take force by amending Section 2 of P.L.1999, c.336 (C.56:8-93) which regulates the sale of pets in New Jersey.

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US Supreme Court Considers Extent of Protections for Pregnant Workers in Discrimination Suit

The US Supreme Court is considering the extent of protections that pregnant workers are entitled to in a case brought against United Parcel Services (UPS). While the court has not yet reached a decision on the matter briefs have been file, oral argument has been conducted and we have a sound idea of the positions of each party.  In light of the questions asked by the Justices, this matter can be instructive for employers in order to avoid potential financial liability due to a employment discrimination claim.

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Health Insurance Companies in New Jersey Must Comply With New Data Encryption Law

New Jersey health insurance companies will now be required to protect customer health care records. The legislation was signed into law on January 9, 2015 by Governor Christie. The new law signals a strengthened commitment to protect confidential consumer data, but the law is not without its burdens. The new standards will require healthcare companies to assess the law and their own systems and practices so that a compliance plan to achieve compliance can be achieved. Compliance with this law is important because failure to comply may create liability under New Jersey’s Consumer Fraud Act.

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Developers, Entrepreneurs & Restaurateurs Campaign for NJ Liquor License Reform

One of the peculiarities of New Jersey’s liquor laws is that despite it being illegal for an unlicensed restaurant or dining establishment to sell alcohol, BYOB facilities where patrons can bring and consume their own beer or wine on the premises can be entirely permissible. While such an arrangement often works out to be financially favorable for the consumer, New Jersey business owners without a liquor license suffer financially in comparison to their licensed counterparts. In short, reform advocates allege that the system is mired in post-war – post-World War 2, that is — regulation that has become non-responsive to modern challenges including the disparity in license pricing and the monopolization of licenses in certain municipalities. Other challenges presented by New Jersey’s Alcohol Beverage Control Law include restrictions on the retail distribution of alcohol. Such restrictions are believe to contribute to the lack of expansion by supermarkets, other chain retailers and retail businesses looking to invest in states with a more flexible regulatory framework. In short, reformers charge that New Jersey’s outdated liquor laws hurts entrepreneurs.

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Are Home Healthcare Workers Entitled to Federal Overtime and Minimum Wage Protections?

While advocates for home healthcare workers have found support at the White House, the federal courts appear to be less willing to allow modifications to rules that would result in increased compensation to home healthcare workers. These payments would have largely been in the form of increased wages and increased eligibility for overtime. While these measure have been rendered ineffective by this decision, the attorneys for the affected workers have already stated that they will file an appeal. The Jayson Law Group, LLC is dedicated to informing employers about changes to the law and can help your business or healthcare organization achieve compliance with all applicable labor laws and standards.

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Is your Company’s Employment Documentation Generating Costly Litigation?

“Submit your employment documents including your employee handbook so that we can perform a legal review.” This statement  is something of a common refrain that business lawyers and commercial attorneys offer day-in and day-out. And yet, clients are hesitant to turn over their employment forms and paperwork for a variety of reasons ranging from “I’ve never had a problem with these forms before” to “These employments papers are just a formality anyway.” Regardless of the justification that is offered, it is clear that the business owner does not realize the full extent of problems and liabilities that can be created by unclear or contradictory employment documents. Unfortunately the luck of business owners or managers who routinely rely on excuses like these eventually runs out. Then they are faced with difficult and costly legal situations that, with adequate due diligence, could have and should have been prevented.

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