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 givesbars, nightclubs, and restaurants the option to stay open as late at 4 a.m. Liquor stores are excluded from the bill.
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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 byJune 1, and the Assembly has to pass it byAugust 31. Governor has to sign it bySeptember 30.
