For nearly a century, California’s bars and nightclubs have been legally required to stop selling alcohol by 2 a.m. Well, unless you’re among the elite partying it up at the Intuit Dome.
But a proposed state law could extend nights a little longer for the everyman.
Lawmakers from Los Angeles and the Bay Area are backing a bill that would allow cities to create “hospitality zones” where bars can serve alcohol until 4 a.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, and state holidays.
“Tourism is down. Major events are going elsewhere. Our hospitality sector, from bars to restaurants to music venues, they are hurting,” said Assemblymember Mark Gonzalez. “And with AB 342, we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reimagine what downtown will be.”
Assemblymember Sade Elhawary added that the rule change would be particularly impactful for L.A. ahead of the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics.
“AB 342 doesn't force anything. It puts decision-making back in the hands of local leaders,” she said.
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In New York City, last call for alcohol is at 4 a.m. In Miami, bars can stay open until 5 a.m.
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