Modifications to Irvine’s recently-approved “hero pay” for grocery workers are being made in an effort to shield small businesses from the measure, say some city councilors. Updates to the proposed ordinance sought to remove some of the smaller stores by increasing the minimum number of store employees from 15 to 20, and increasing the nationwide number of employees from 300 to 500. “[We] had those [changes] added just to provide additional buffer for smaller businesses and smaller markets.” Vice Mayor Tammy Kim told The Epoch Times Feb. 15. On Feb. 9, city council approved in a narrow 3-2 vote a proposed pay for grocery workers. Qualifying employees will receive an extra $4 per hour for the next four months. Stores that are less than 15,000 square feet will be allowed as exceptions to the law. During the recent council meeting, councilmembers Larry Agran, Tammy Kim, and Mayor Farrah Khan voted in favor of the ordinance, while councilmembers Mike Carroll and Anthony Kuo voted against it. …