“Hospitality Zones” + 4 am Liquor Licenses,California Assembly Bill 342

A proposed bill in the California legislature (AB 342) would allow local governments to establish “hospitality zones” where 4 am liquor licenses would be allowed. Earlier this month Matt Haney, State Representative from San Francisco and author of the bill, held a press conference at the LA Convention Center.

Haney said the bill aims to revitalize downtown areas by allowing certain businesses to extend last call until 4 am on Fridays, Saturdays, and state holidays if local governments create hospitality zones. Businesses would need to apply for extended operating hours. The South Park Business Improvement District (SPBID) and the Downtown Los Angeles Residents Association (DTLA RA) support the measure.

Nolan Marshall, Executive Director of SPBID, said, “When we changed our brand to the Social District, it was aspirational about creating an environment that is welcoming and safe for people to connect at any time of the day.  This bill gives us the flexibility to offer a lifeline to the restaurants, breweries, and neighborhood bars that are vital to our identity and economic vibrancy.”

South Park businesses and residents had mixed feelings. A popular bar owner in South Park said even though he has a 2 am license, they close at midnight. “Nothing good happens after midnight.” His concern for safety of his staff and customers is the main reason for not wanting a 4 am license.

Another bar owner said, “Allowing alcohol sales into the early morning would almost certainly require a significant increase in spending on public safety and security — from law enforcement to emergency services and even transit. These are real costs that would fall on the city and its neighborhoods, and it’s worth asking whether the benefits truly outweigh those burdens.” She added, “by keeping alcohol service hours where they are, we support safer communities, healthier lifestyles, and a more balanced urban culture. And we can still encourage vibrant late-night activities — music, food, art, connection — that don’t depend on serving alcohol into the early hours of the morning.”

A group of South Park residents at a local bar was also concerned about safety. One resident said people who are drinking until 4 am are likely targets of criminal activity. “They are not aware nor can they ward off attacks.” Other residents were open to the idea if residents’ concerns in the proposed “hospitality zones” were addressed--notably noise, bad behavior, and criminal activity.

The bill, set to be heard in the Assembly Governmental Organization Committee on April 23, would require city leaders to consider factors such as public safety resources, transportation access, and proximity to hotels and arenas before designating hospitality zones. Venues within these zones would need to obtain special permits from the city to extend their operating hours.

See related article by Justin Orkin for on-the-street-interviews on this issue.

What are your thoughts about hospitality zones approved by the city for 4 am liquor licenses? Would you want bars in South Park to be open until 4 am on Friday, Saturday, and state holidays? Comment on this article or send an email to spnadtla@gmail.com

By Debra Shrout