A 4 a.m. last call? We’ll drink to that proposal, which could become law in six California cities.
Here’s how it could happen.
A new state bill would initiate a 5-year pilot program giving six California cities local control to extend alcohol sales at bars, nightclubs, and restaurants to 4 a.m.
Graciela Lopez, right, enjoys a drink with a friend at a space for queer women in West Hollywood. A new state bill described as a 5-year pilot program would give six cities local control to extend alcohol sales at bars, nightclubs, and restaurants to 4 a.m. Photo: Graciela Lopez.
The bill, which would go into effect January 1, 2020, only applies to cities whose mayors have said they support the bill:
- Long Beach
- Los Angeles
- Oakland
- Sacramento
- San Francisco
- West Hollywood
Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), who authored the Senate Bill 905 and introduced it Thursday, introduced a similar piece of legislation last year that would have applied to the entire state, but it died in committee.
ALSO READ: California bill would allow cities to sell alcohol until 4 a.m.
The 5-year pilot program, called the LOCAL Act, which stands for Let Our Communities Adjust Late-Night, does not obligate any business in the six cities to remain open. Instead, it gives bars, nightclubs, and restaurants the option to stay open as late at 4 a.m. Liquor stores are excluded from the bill.
ALSO READ: Where are the lesbian clubs in Los Angeles? Queer women need spaces
Here is the trajectory the bill would take to become law:
- Senate Governmental Organization Committee
- Senate Appropriations Committee
- Full Senate
- Assembly Governmental Organization Committee
- Assembly Appropriations Committee
- Full Assembly
- Governor
In short, the Senate has to pass the bill by June 1, and the Assembly has to pass it by August 31. Governor has to sign it by September 30.
