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Thursday, Mar 28, 2024
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Senate Bill Opens 2 a.m. Closing Time to Debate

Joel Anderson
Scott Wiener

As a liberal Democrat from Northern California and a conservative Republican from Southern California, the two of us don’t always agree. But both of us came from local government where we represented diverse communities, and we both believe that it’s important that local leaders have as much flexibility as possible to make decisions that are in the best interests of the people they represent. That is why we are joint-authoring Senate Bill 384 — the LOCAL Act, which stands for “Let Our Communities Adjust Late Night. “

Currently, California has a statewide, one-size-fits-all ban on alcohol service past 2 a.m. While a 2 a.m. limit makes sense for many communities, it limits the abilities of some cities to determine what makes the most sense for their areas. The LOCAL Act will allow cities to extend alcohol service hours to as late as 4 a.m. in bars and restaurants as they see fit.

If a community prefers to keep the current 2 a.m. limitation, this bill allows that as well. The LOCAL Act will empower local leaders with the ability to make decisions that best serve their communities.

Cities around the country have adopted later service hour allowances with great success, and Minnesota is currently considering a similar move as it prepares to host the Super Bowl in 2018.

Through the LOCAL Act, we want to empower the diverse communities across California with another tool if they believe it will be useful in attracting other major events or conventions that will be good for tourism or their local economy.

Increased Flexibility

Further, we also believe that family and independently owned businesses that operate on very thin margins should have the maximum flexibility to ensure that they can stay in business and continue to employ hardworking Californians. These businesses help our economy grow, and the LOCAL Act will enable local leaders to provide businesses with additional opportunity if it makes sense for their community.

Extending service hours will require collaboration between all stakeholders to ensure good planning and safety. The LOCAL Act would require a city wishing to extend its service hours to develop a plan with input from residents and businesses, which will include a public safety plan and transportation assessment. The City would then have to file the plan with the Department of Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC).

Application Process

Each business that wishes to extend alcohol service hours would then have to apply for an extended hours permit subject to approval by ABC. This is a thorough process that will allow responsible, transparent, and locally-controlled extension of alcohol service hours if appropriate.

California is a big state with many communities with unique needs and interests. The LOCAL Act removes barriers to opportunity while balancing the needs of communities by acknowledging the business and community diversity in our state.

We believe local communities should have the power to make decisions regarding small business in their cities, and the LOCAL Act will give them just that.

State Senator Scott Wiener represents San Francisco and Northern San Mateo County, and State Senator Joel Anderson represents portions of San Diego County.

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