California Will Allow Expanded Alcohol Service On Sidewalks And Parking Lots

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ABC’s new program allows restaurants and bars to serve customers on adjacent sidewalks, parking lots, and streets

California restaurants and bars could be permitted to serve cocktails and food on adjacent sidewalks, parking lots, and in city streets in the coming months. That’s according to California’s Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC), which oversees licensing and regulation for bar and restaurant alcohol consumption. ABC’s new plan could create large outdoor bars and dining areas serviced by food trucks and pop-ups.

ABC’s new Temporary Catering Authorization (TCA) will allow restaurants and bars to create an outdoor area to consume food and alcohol, and one way for restaurants to recover lost revenue since the COVID-19 pandemic began. If a restaurant is approved, it can expand operations to parking lots, sidewalks, public thoroughfares closed to public access, and other areas within close proximity to the business. The authorization goes beyond a traditional liquor license, which restricts the purchase and consumption of alcohol on the restaurant’s premises.

As with anything alcohol related, there are strict conditions. This is specific to COVID-19 restrictions, and is available for when the restaurants partially reopen. Businesses must submit a slew of requirements before approval, including a diagram of the proposed temporary area, and approval from local law enforcement. Plus, the TCA only applies to ABC licensed establishments in counties where temporary stay-at-home orders have been lifted. The TCA will be removed as soon as COVID-19 measures are rolled back.

By Mona Holmes May 18, 2020 Source and complete article: La.eater.com