Today, Thursday, February 16, 2017, Senator Scott Wiener (D - San Francisco) announced the LOCAL Act (Let Our Communities Adjust Late Night) to allow, but not require, local governments to extend alcohol service hours to a specified time between 2 a.m. to 4 a.m. for bars and restaurants.
Under Senate Bill 384, the decision for how and where to implement an extension of alcohol service hours would be up to local jurisdiction. Approval by the Department of Alcohol Beverage Control would also be needed. The bill would not extend hours at liquor stores.
"This bill would give eating and drinking establishments the opportunity to work with the local governing bodies and local law enforcement to design a plan that works for a specific location," Sharokina Shams of the California Restaurant Association said.
American cities with late-night service hours beyond 2 a.m. include Chicago, Washington, D.C., New York City, Buffalo, Las Vegas, Louisville, Atlanta, Miami Beach and New Orleans.
