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Jerry Brown Vetos 4 AM Nightlife Bill

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Governor Jerry Brown vetoed the Late Night Bar Bill, or Senate Bill 905 last week on Septmeber 28. SB 905 would have adjusted the last call time to 4 a.m. in the cities of Los Angeles, Long Beach, West Hollywood, Palm Springs, Oakland, and San Francisco.

Governor Brown added comment in a letter to the California Senate, where he shared the reasons for turning down the law:

“Without question, these two extra hours will result in more drinking. The business and cities in support of this bill see that as a good source of revenue. The California Highway Patrol, however strongly believes that this increased drinking will lead to more drunk driving.”

Three Clubs’ co-owner Marc Smith, is baffled by Brown’s decision. Smith believes there’s something missing in the governor’s statement, and the state and businesses will miss out on extra revenue. “Does he have an alcoholic relative or something?” asks Smith. “I’m shocked that he would go out on something like that. I thought he’d be more progressive. As long as its regulated properly, this should be law.”

Smith adds that there’s a significant difference between last call at 1:30 a.m., and at 3:30 a.m. “At 1 a.m., there’s a sweet spot. The bar gets really busy, there’s a rush for last call, then we kick people out. At 1:30 a.m., they’re amped and excited, and still want to hang out. But by 3:30 a.m., they’re ready to go home.”

Bill Extending Nightlife in San Francisco, Oakland Passes Through Assembly

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The California Assembly approved a bill Wednesday sponsored by State Senator Scott Wiener allowing certain cities to extend alcohol sales at bars, nightclubs and restaurants to 4 a.m.

Wiener tweeted that the passage of his bill is “a huge step forward.”

Nine cities are part of the 5-year pilot program, including San Francisco, Oakland and Los Angeles.

The bill allows, but does not require the cities to extend hours for alcohol sales. The bill passed the Assembly with a vote of 46-14 and now heads to the Senate for a vote. If it passes there, it will go to Governor Jerry Brown for his approval.

Opponents say the bill would add new costs and lead to more dangerous roads.
Similar bills have been introduced and killed several times since 2004.