Assembly committee advances bill letting cities create 'hospitality zones' with later last-call hours

Assemblymember Haney’s AB 342, authorizing local “hospitality zones” with later alcohol service, was advanced by the Assembly Governmental Organizations Committee as amended and will go to the Committee on Appropriations.

The bill would authorize local governments to permit specific venues within designated hospitality zones to extend last-call to 4 a.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and official state holidays. The legislation as amended includes a five-year sunset, a study of impacts, a delayed implementation date and requirements for local safety, transportation and community considerations.

AB 342’s sponsor framed the bill as a pro-business, pro–local-control measure designed to help downtowns and tourism-dependent economies recover. “AB 342 is a bipartisan, pro business, pro local control bill that allows local governments to create hospitality zones,” Assemblymember Haney told the committee, saying zones would help cities “support businesses and attract visitors, residents, and tourists.” He…