Sen. Mark Leno (D-San Francisco) wants to expand alcoholic beverage service hours in California from 2 a.m. to 4 a.m.
While his legislation, SB 635, would extend drinking hours at nightclubs and restaurants, it would not affect liquor stores. Their closing times would stay the same.
Leno said strict drinking hours are costing businesses money, and a 4 a.m. last call would allow California bars and restaurants to keep up with the nightlife in other major U.S. cities with late-night service hours, including New York City, Chicago, Las Vegas, Miami Beach and New Orleans.
"This legislation would allow destination cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego to start local conversations about the possibility of expanding nightlife and the benefits it could provide the community by boosting jobs, tourism and local tax revenue," Leno said in a statement.
