News Summary

California legislators are pushing for a new bill, AB 342, aimed at creating ‘hospitality zones’ allowing alcohol service until 4 a.m. on weekends and holidays. This initiative, led by Assemblymember Matt Haney, seeks to revitalize downtown areas struggling post-pandemic by extending nightlife hours to attract tourists and boost local businesses. While support is building among lawmakers and business leaders, concerns remain about safety and community impact. The bill is set for review on April 23, with hopes of enhancing California’s nightlife scene for major upcoming events.

California’s New Bill AB 342 Aims to Revive Nightlife with ‘Hospitality Zones’

San Francisco, CA – Exciting news is brewing in the Golden State! California legislators have set their sights on a new bill, AB 342, aiming to establish “hospitality zones” across the state. This proposed legislation could allow cities to keep the party going well into the early hours, extending last call for alcohol service to 4 a.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, and state holidays.

Currently, state law enforces a hard stop on alcohol sales for bars and nightclubs at 2 a.m., but Assemblymember Matt Haney, hailing from San Francisco, believes that changing this rule could work wonders for tourism and local businesses. He’s not alone in this endeavor; Haney formerly pitched a similar extension last year that didn’t pass, even with support from other prominent figures. In fact, this single-minded focus on nightlife revitalization is gaining momentum, as it echoes an earlier bill from 2018 that, despite legislative approval, was vetoed by the then-Governor Jerry Brown.

Revitalizing Downtown Areas

With downtown areas around California still grappling to bounce back to their pre-pandemic glory, Haney emphasizes that vibrant nightlife can serve as a cure for these economic woes. Many California cities, as Haney pointed out, turn into “ghost towns” after 5 p.m., chasing away visitors and potential revenue. The idea is that a lively nightlife can bolster various sectors, especially retail, arts, restaurants, and housing, while attracting big-ticket conventions and events. Additionally, the Assembly Governmental Organization Committee is set to review the bill on April 23.

Last summer, Governor Gavin Newsom made a narrow exception for the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, the only venue allowed to extend its serving hours to 4 a.m. These limitations, however, raise a question as to why other lively cities in California can’t follow suit. After all, neighboring states like Nevada, Florida, New York, and Illinois enjoy flexible last call laws, and California stakeholders are eager to catch up.

Backed by Local Leaders

In a show of solidarity, a coalition of California lawmakers and business leaders met in Los Angeles to champion the bill, emphasizing its potential economic benefits. Assemblymembers Mark Gonzalez and Sade Elhawary were particularly vocal, pointing to the struggles of local tourism and major events that have been heavily affected. The mayor’s office of Los Angeles, along with local businesses, has been engaging in conversations regarding how this bill could help in hosting larger events, especially with the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Olympics on the horizon.

Maria Salinas, president and CEO of the LA Area Chamber of Commerce, shares the sentiment that this proposed bill could significantly enhance the capability to draw in major conventions and events, thus improving the hospitality landscape across the state.

Mixed Reactions from Local Businesses

However, opinions regarding the bill in places like San Diego are diverse. While some business owners express optimism over the financial benefits, others voice concerns about critical issues such as insurance, potential noise complaints, and the fear of increased drunk driving incidents. The proposed measure does include a safety net for local oversight. If the bill passes, cities will be tasked with managing these hospitality zones while keeping public safety and transportation access at the forefront.

Moreover, businesses would need to obtain a special license to serve alcohol late into the night, incurring a fee of $2,500 for the privilege. The goal is to create an atmosphere that both fosters nightlife and ensures safety for patrons.

Looking Ahead

The conversation continues as state officials, local business owners, and community members weigh both the pros and the cons of extending last call hours. As California contemplates the future of its nightlife, residents eagerly await the results of upcoming legislative discussions. One thing is certain: the quest for a more vibrant nightlife in California is far from over!

California Proposes Bill to Revive Nightlife with Hospitality Zones