Outdoor dining set to become permanent feature of Los Angeles' food scene
LOS ANGELES - Outdoor dining may remain a permanent feature of Los Angeles County's vibrant food scene, with the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voting Tuesday to support state legislation to expand outdoor options.
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Supervisors Kathryn Barger and Janice Hahn co-authored a motion to support two-state bills: one on outdoor dining and the other to expand liquor licenses.
"Outdoor dining should be one of the things we hold on to after the pandemic is over," Hahn said. "Restaurants have appreciated it, diners have embraced it, and we have the beautiful weather to make it enjoyable all year long."
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Barger and Hahn championed temporary outdoor dining last summer to help struggling eateries amid the pandemic, and county regional planners fast-tracked approvals.
"We should make every effort to ensure this program becomes a permanent option for eateries throughout the region," Barger said. "This is a valuable resource for the restaurant and hospitality industry, which was devastatingly impacted by the COVID-19 closures."
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Assembly Bill 61 would allow local governments to expand outdoor dining. Senate Bill 314 would allow businesses granted a temporary liquor license to expand operations during the pandemic the opportunity to make that expansion permanent.
Barger and Solis also offered a second motion directing the county's CEO to come up with guidelines for expanding outdoor dining options and helping restaurant owners transition to permanent plans.
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Barger urged residents to take advantage of outdoor dining and spend some money at local businesses.
"As we head into Los Angeles County's beloved and infamous summer months, let's all enjoy the beautiful weather outdoors while supporting our local restaurants," she said.