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California lawmakers have approved a plan that would allow bars in nine California cities to stay open until 4 a.m. The current law requires alcohol sales to stop at 2 a.m.
Senate Bill 905 is now waiting for Governor Jerry Brown’s signature. If approved, pilot programs would be allowed in Sacramento, San Francisco, Oakland, Los Angeles, Long Beach, West Hollywood, Palm Springs, Coachella and Cathedral City. Each city would have to develop its own rules for a later closing time. Those rules could include specific areas in the city or certain days of the week, such as weekends only.
Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco, who introduced the bill, said in a tweet, “... cities should be able to decide for themselves what kind of nightlife makes sense.”
California group Alcohol Justice, which opposes the bill, tweeted, “SB 905 will only increase alcohol-related harm at taxpayer expense.”
The 4 a.m. closing time would not start immediately. If approved, businesses could apply for an additional-hours license starting Jan. 1, 2019. Bar hours wouldn't change for another two years, starting on Jan. 1, 2021.
Each city is required to provide a report on the regional impact of later hours within one year of the changes. The pilot program is scheduled to end on Jan. 2, 2026, unless the legislature votes to extend or expand it.
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