Regulating fine dining

It's items like this that lead people to wonder if our elected officials or government employees don't have too much time on their hands.

Beginning in July [2007], a new [California] state regulation will require that tableware that is set out before guests are seated... be protected from potential contamination by being wrapped, covered or inverted. If it isn't, it is to be removed and replaced with new as patrons are seated.

Mike Dunne - Sacramento Bee

Fast food restaurants apparently won't be affected as you often get your tableware handed to you with your order or pick it up pre-wrapped at the condiment counter. But I think one of the niceties of fine dining is the pretense, at least, that the table has been set especially for you as the guest and the restaurant has been expecting you. Now it will feel like you're an unexpected guest and the table will be set as you are sitting and watching it all.

Tacky.