California Lawmakers Propose Extended Alcohol Sales Hours

News Summary

California lawmakers, led by Assemblymember Matt Haney, have introduced Assembly Bill 342 to extend alcohol sales hours to 4 a.m. on weekends and state holidays. This proposal aims to revive the hospitality industry and attract more tourists by creating ‘Hospitality Zones’ in various cities. Local governments would have the flexibility to decide whether to implement extended hours, addressing challenges faced by downtowns post-COVID. With growing community support and lessons drawn from other states, this legislation could significantly impact local economies and nightlife in California.

California Lawmakers Push for Late-Night Fun: Alcohol Sales Hours Could Go to 4 A.M.

California is buzzing with excitement as a group of lawmakers is making moves to extend the time for serving alcohol beyond the current cut-off at 2 a.m. This proposal, championed by Assemblymember Matt Haney and several other lawmakers, comes in the wake of a press conference held in sunny downtown Los Angeles.

What’s the Big Idea?

The primary aim of the proposed Assembly Bill 342 is to breathe new life into the state’s entertainment scene and bolster local economies, especially in the hospitality industry that’s been hit hard by the pandemic. Bringing in more tourists is a big part of the plan, and extending alcohol sales could be just the ticket!

Under the proposed legislation, local governments would have the option to create special “Hospitality Zones.” These zones would allow businesses to serve alcohol until a lively 4 a.m. on weekends and state holidays. The good news is that cities won’t be forced to join in on the fun; it’ll be up to them to decide.

How Would It Work?

To set up these Hospitality Zones, local authorities would have to consider a few important factors. This includes public safety, the availability of transportation, and proximity to hotels and major convention centers. They’ll also need to think about how easy it is to get around on foot in these areas.

In addition to regular Hospitality Zones, the bill also proposes special “Special Events Hospitality Zones,” which would allow extended alcohol service for big occasions like music festivals and important events, such as the upcoming World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

A Look Back in Time

It’s worth noting that a similar bill was floated a few years ago but didn’t make it through the legislative process. That proposal was focused on three cities: Palm Springs, West Hollywood, and San Francisco. This renewed effort reflects the ongoing struggles that California’s downtowns face nearly five years post-COVID.

Currently, hotel revenue in the Bay Area has plummeted by a staggering 45% since 2019, and restaurant earnings remain around 20% below those pre-pandemic levels. Lawmakers like Haney believe the new legislation could help turn things around by attracting visitors and encouraging more vibrancy in evening activities.

Lessons from Other States

Interestingly, California isn’t the only state thinking about alcohol service hours. Places like Nevada and Florida allow their cities to set their own last call times, which contrasts sharply with California’s current “one-size-fits-all” model. This flexibility could be crucial as communities try to revitalize and compete with these more lenient states.

Community Support Builds

Support for AB 342 is starting to pile up, with various business groups backing the initiative, including the California Chamber of Commerce and the California Hotel and Lodging Association. They see extending alcohol service hours as a way to grow the economy and create thriving environments for entertainment.

As things currently stand, the only place in California allowed to serve alcohol past 2 a.m. is the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, thanks to a special exemption granted in a previous bill signed into law.

What’s Next?

Looking ahead, the Assembly Governmental Organization Committee is set to review this proposed legislation on April 23. Should it gain traction, it could pave the way for greater local control over nightlife, offering an exciting opportunity for economic recovery.

Ultimately, supporters argue that enhancing nightlife options will have a ripple effect, positively influencing various sectors, including retail, arts, and even housing. With significant global events on the horizon, the timing couldn’t be better for communities eager for a vibrant evening atmosphere to attract tourists and boost local economies.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• ABC7 News
• Desert Sun
• FOX LA
• CBS News San Francisco
• Google Search: California hospitality zones 4am last call