California Lawmakers Propose Bill to Extend Alcohol Service to 4 A.M. in Hospitality Zones
AB 342, introduced by Assemblymember Matt Haney, aims to revitalize downtown economies by granting cities the option to allow later alcohol service on weekends and holidays.
- AB 342 would permit California cities to create Hospitality Zones where alcohol service can extend to 4 a.m. on weekends and state holidays.
- The bill seeks to boost tourism and revitalize downtown areas still struggling to recover from the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Local governments opting into the program must consider public safety, transportation, cultural relevance, and other logistical factors when establishing Hospitality Zones.
- Previous efforts to extend last call hours in California, including proposals in 2018 and 2022, were either rejected or vetoed, highlighting the contentious history of such legislation.
- The Assembly Governmental Organization Committee is scheduled to review the proposal on April 23, marking the next step in its legislative process.
CalMatters 
Times of San Diego 