California Legislation Aims to Extend Bar Hours to Revitalize Downtowns

Assemblymember Matt Haney has introduced new legislation, AB 342, to allow California cities to extend last call at bars to 4 AM on weekends and holidays. The proposal, termed “Hospitality Zones,” is intended to support urban areas struggling to recover after the pandemic.

Background on Last Call Extensions

The push for a later last call in California is not new. The initiative began back in 2013 when State Senator Mark Leno first suggested extending the last call to 4 AM. Despite multiple attempts, including a recent effort by Senator Scott Wiener in 2022, previous legislative efforts have not succeeded in changing the status quo. Wiener co-authored a bill with Haney, SB 930, which passed the Senate but failed in the Assembly.

Current Situation

Interestingly, while widespread extension of last call remains elusive, Governor Gavin Newsom approved a limited pilot program earlier this year. This program allows a specific club at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood to serve drinks until 4 AM for a select group of VIP patrons, highlighting a contrast in city-specific regulations.

Details of AB 342

At a press conference held in downtown Los Angeles, Haney discussed the objectives of AB 342, stating that the bill aims to boost foot traffic in downtown areas during evening hours. Haney emphasized the importance of attracting visitors both during the day and at night, given that many California downtowns have seen reduced activity post-pandemic.

• Hospitality Zones: Cities that opt into this program could implement extended bar hours.
• Special Events Hospitality Zones: Temporary zones could be established for significant events, including the World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics.

Community and Economic Impact

In his comments regarding the need for nightlife, Haney mentioned that numerous states, such as Florida and New York, have more flexible last-call laws. “A thriving nightlife has extensive positive effects on many other sectors, including retail, the arts, restaurants, housing, and large conventions,” he stated.

He further noted that the current standardization of last call laws has hindered local economies and tourism, restricting cities from fully capitalizing on their nighttime potential.

Challenges Ahead

As the proposal moves forward, it may encounter familiar challenges. Previous attempts to extend last call have faced opposition from influential groups, including law enforcement and organizations like Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). There is also concern that legislators from areas without abundant public transportation may resist changes that benefit urban centers.

Conclusion

The introduction of AB 342 signals a renewed effort to foster vibrant nightlife and economic recovery in California’s cities. As the legislation unfolds, it will be important to monitor its progress and the discussions it sparks among stakeholders.