Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Money and the Law Podcast - Affordable Care Act

Jonathan Boulahanis provides some insight and topics regarding the Affordable Care Act and how it affects small employers.
Clark Hill Chicago health care attorney Jayme Matchinski and David Kleifield from The Horton Group will join us to discuss some of the practical things your clients should be doing. 

http://www.starworldwidenetworks.com/index.php/Audio/darra_speaks#73


Tuesday, April 14, 2015

State of Illinois Passes Law Requiring BASSETT Training in Cook County Starting July 1, 2015

The State of Illinois has long had regulations in place recommending training for people both selling and serving alcohol.  The program, Beverage Alcohol Sellers and Servers Education ("BASSET") has been codified in the Illinois statutes, Title 77, Chapt. XVI, Part 3500.  Some of the goals of the program are to train and educate sellers and servers about responsible alcohol service, prevent DUI's, spot signs of intoxication, provide methods to cut off over-served patrons, and to educate owners and staff on the laws and ordinances in place.

While the Illinois Liquor Control Commission has always encouraged the voluntary participation in this program, it historically has been left to local ordinances to require such training.  However, the General Assembly in Illinois recently passed Public Act 098-0939, which is set to go into effect on July 1, 2015.  Pursuant to the Act,  all servers and bouncers in Cook County bars and restaurants will need to complete a four-hour BASSET class within 120 days of employment.  Those that are currently employed must have a BASSET training certificate dated on of after July 1, 2012 to be compliant.  The BASSET certification must be renewed every three years.  The Illinois Liquor Control Commission will be charged with enforcing the BASSET training requirements.  During the first six months, enforcement will be limited to education and notification.  Starting January 1, 2016, penalties for non-compliance include fines up to $500 per violation, license suspension, or revocation.