Bill > AB342

This bill amends California's alcoholic beverage laws to allow on-sale liquor licensees in designated "hospitality zones" to sell alcohol between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, and certain state holidays, beginning June 1, 2026. Local city or county governing bodies can establish Hospitality Zones and Special Event Hospitality Zones, which must meet specific criteria including safety assessments, transportation plans, and considerations like walkability and proximity to hotels and convention centers. To obtain an additional serving hours license, businesses must pay a $2,500 fee, complete responsible beverage training, and cannot exercise off-sale privileges during extended hours. The bill requires local law enforcement to develop late-night policing plans and limits the total number of additional licenses to one per 6,000 residents. Local jurisdictions must submit annual reports on the impact of these extended hours, and the California Highway Patrol must provide a comprehensive report on regional effects by January 1, 2029. The bill includes provisions to protect public safety, such as restricting entry to those 21 and older during extended hours and allowing for license suspension. These provisions will automatically expire on January 1, 2031.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB342