The state Assembly Committee on Governmental Organization voted 12–3 to pass legislation that would allow seven pilot cities in the state to extend to 4 a.m. the sale of alcohol at bars, nightclubs, and restaurants. The bill, by San Francisco’s Senator Scott Wiener and Assemblymember Matt Haney and Los Angeles Assemblywoman Wendy Carrillo, would not apply to liquor stores.
It’s a goal Wiener has pursued for years without success, and there is no guarantee it will become law this time either. In a news release, Wiener’s office stressed limits to the legislation, noting it would not automatically extend alcohol sale hours in the pilot cities, and those cities could limit the extended hours to specific neighborhoods or streets, or even specific days. The plan would still need to be approved by local governments, and be reviewed by Alcoholic Beverage Control with full public notice. The bill would sunset after five years.
The bill now heads to the Assembly Appropriations Committee.
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