Alcoholic beverage control: waiver neighborhood-restricted special on-sale general licenses.
If enacted, AB 828 would amend existing provisions of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act. The new measures would ensure that more businesses could sustain themselves through license fee relief, thus fostering a more conducive environment for economic recovery in the aftermath of the pandemic. By allowing more neighborhood-restricted licenses, the bill aims to diversify dining options within areas that may have previously faced restrictions. However, this could also stir some debates regarding the allocation of licenses and whether the benefits would sufficiently reach the areas in greatest need.
Assembly Bill 828, introduced by Assembly Member Mark Gonzlez, seeks to provide economic relief to businesses within the alcoholic beverage sector, particularly in Los Angeles County. The bill allows for the waiver of license renewal fees for specific on-sale general licenses, facilitating easier business operations in a region that has been heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The deadline for these waivers extends until January 1, 2027, giving businesses some time to navigate the ongoing recovery period. Additionally, the bill permits the issuance of a limited number of neighborhood-restricted special on-sale general licenses, aimed at promoting local dining establishments while closely regulating the number of licenses based on population size in various census tracts.
General sentiment surrounding AB 828 appears supportive, particularly among local business owners and those involved in the restaurant industry. Advocates argue that the fee waivers and additional licenses would revitalize communities adversely affected by the ongoing economic fallout. However, some concerns have been raised regarding the potential for overcrowded licensing and whether fees should be permanently abolished or only temporarily waived, highlighting a split perspective on long-term regulatory approaches.
A notable point of contention involves the expansion of the crime of perjury, as businesses must certify their eligibility for fee waivers under penalty of perjury. Critics argue that this requirement could impose undue burdens on small business owners, especially those already struggling financially. Furthermore, the limited number of new licenses may lead to competition among businesses for a scarce resource, potentially marginalizing voices that call for broader access to alcoholic beverage licenses, especially in diverse neighborhoods that have historically been underserved.