California lawmaker proposes a 4 a.m. last call

March 15, 2013

wine33A California state senator has introduced a bill that would allow bars in certain cities to stay open until 4 a.m. [LA Times]

SB 635, introduced by San Francisco Democrat Mark Leno, would allow California cities to seek permission from the state Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control to allow restaurants, nightclubs and bars to sell drinks until 4 a.m. Current state law only permits restaurants, nightclubs and bars to sell alcohol between 6 a.m. and 2 a.m.

“Many cities in California have dynamic social activities that are vital to their economies, but they lack the flexibility to expand their businesses,” Leno said. “This legislation would allow destination cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego to start local conversations about the possibility of expanding nightlife and the benefits it could provide the community by boosting jobs, tourism and local tax revenue.”

Despite the lively nightlife in California’s big cities, the state is home to none of the top 10 grossing late night venues in the country, Leno says. All of the top 10 venues are located in cities that allow bars and clubs to stay open later than 2 a.m.

Senate Republican leader Robert Huff expressed concerns about Leno’s proposal.

“What impact will this have on families who live around these establishment?” Huff asked. “Will changing the time impact drunk driving rates? These are the questions I would ask before coming to a decision.”

The California Restaurant Association and the San Francisco Council of District Merchants, as well as other industry groups, support the proposal to extend the hours of California’s nightlife.

 


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I think the Ins. industry will make that (invest big money) idea go away.


What would you expect from a lawmaker who voted to kill a proposed law that would have made it easier for school districts to fire teachers in cases of sexual and other egregious misconduct? This guy wants the party to last all night. He wants more people to do drugs and thinks that a certain amount of child porn on you computer is O.K. (AB 1499) This guy is a piece of work – San Francisco’s finest!


what??? AB 1499 and HUH ?


oops – I meant to ref. SB1530 – the proposed law that would have made it easier for school districts to fire teachers who in cases of sexual and other egregious misconduct


This may solve the need for homeless shelters.


Let the bars & restaurants stay open as long as they want, but require that all booze stop being served at midnight.


They already can stay open as long as they want. They just close by 2am because there is no point in staying open later if you can’t serve booze. If you want restrictive alcohol laws, try Utah or the middle east.


Simple Gov mathematics, more drinking= more booze sold=more tax revenue. Doomberg will appeal the judges ruling and wants to make it so you cant buy a large soda in NY. Here were trying to add 2 more hours of shit facing time before you get in a 5000lb weapon and mix it up with the early to work crowd. Absolutely Brilliant idea.