Reemergence of Physical Menu Options
In a move aimed at ensuring inclusivity, a bill (Bill 385/23) is being discussed in the Legislative Assembly of Minas Gerais, Brazil. If approved, commercial establishments such as bars, restaurants, bakeries, fast food joints, and nightclubs will be required to provide printed menus for customers.
The bill, favourably opinioned by the Constitution and Justice Committee (CCJ) of the ALMG on June 8, allows establishments to maintain virtual options or other technological solutions in addition to the physical menu. This decision was made after the CCJ's rapporteur, deputy Zé Laviola (Novo), presented a substitute that partially altered the text.
The bill's proponent, delegate deputy Christiano Xavier (PSD), emphasises the importance of this change, stating that virtual menus assume customers have smartphones and internet access, a luxury not always available to everyone, especially the elderly and those with technology difficulties. The bill aims to ensure that no citizen is excluded by providing the option of a printed menu in commercial establishments.
If approved by state deputies, establishments will have two months (60 days) to adapt to the change before the bill comes into effect. Notably, the substitute removed the requirement for establishments to post signs announcing the availability of the printed menu.
The proposal argues that virtual menus hinder the democratization of access to information about products offered, a concern shared by deputy Xavier. The choice of menu option is left to the consumer to choose the one that best suits them.
It is important to note that the initial 60-day deadline was for the Executive to regulate the law, but it has been changed. The exact details of the new deadline are yet to be announced.
For those seeking more information, it might be helpful to check local news sources or official government announcements in Minas Gerais. As of now, there is no specific information available about this bill in search results.
The bill, if approved, will require commercial establishments like bars, restaurants, bakeries, and nightclubs in Minas Gerais, Brazil to provide printed menus for customers, allowing inclusivity by catering to the elderly and those with technology difficulties. This decision is a part of the approved Bill 385/23, which also includes the option for establishments to maintain virtual menus or other technological solutions.
