California Bill Proposes 4 A.M. Last Call in Select Downtown Areas
A new legislative proposal in California, spearheaded by Assemblymember Matt Haney, aims to extend last call hours to 4 a.m. in designated downtown areas. The bill, AB 342, would allow cities to opt into creating 'hospitality zones' where bars and nightclubs could serve alcohol until the later hour, a move intended to boost the state's nightlife and economy.
The proposal has sparked a mix of excitement and concern among residents and business owners. Proponents argue that extending last call could revitalize downtown areas, drawing more tourists and generating additional revenue for local businesses. Critics, however, worry about potential increases in drunk driving and public safety issues.
The bill follows previous unsuccessful attempts to extend last call hours in California. If passed, cities would have the autonomy to decide whether to implement the extended hours, tailoring the policy to their specific needs and community feedback.
Assemblymember Haney, who represents San Francisco, believes that the measure could help the city and other urban centers recover from the economic impacts of the recent global health crisis. The bill is currently under review, with public hearings and discussions expected in the coming months.
