Governor Gavin Newsom signed a new law in Alameda, CA, on Saturday, allowing restaurants and bars to continue applying surcharges on customer bills. Senate Bill 1524 overrides a recent state ban on "junk fees," granting restaurants exemption and requiring transparent disclosure of these charges on receipts.

Kenneth Lim, owner of The Hobnob, expressed mixed feelings, preferring menu price increases over surcharges at checkout for transparency.

The Golden Gate Restaurant Association welcomed the law, citing support for employee benefits and pay equity through these charges.

Starting July 1, surcharges must be clearly itemized on bills with their intended purposes stated, eliciting varied reactions from Bay Area diners.

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