Los Angeles, California, October 16, 2025
News Summary
California has introduced two significant measures, AB 592 and AB 671, aimed at revitalizing its struggling restaurant industry amidst economic challenges. The measures are designed to support outdoor dining and streamline the permitting process for small, independent restaurants. With rising costs and a recent 5% drop in dining traffic in Los Angeles, these legislative actions reflect the state’s commitment to bolster small businesses and enhance their ability to thrive in a changing economic landscape.
California has introduced two new measures to support its struggling restaurant industry amidst economic challenges. The announcement was made at Joyce restaurant in downtown Los Angeles, highlighting the state’s commitment to easing regulatory burdens on small businesses. These challenges facing the restaurant sector include rising costs and shifting federal policies.
California is home to over 4.2 million small businesses, accounting for 99.9% of total enterprises in the state. These small businesses employ nearly half of the private sector workforce, approximately 7 million people. Within this framework, the restaurant sector stands as the largest private employer in California, featuring over 86,000 locations and supporting around 1.8 million jobs. The restaurant industry generates a significant $220 billion in annual sales.
The first newly introduced measure is known as AB 592, which allows restaurants with open kitchens to utilize windows, folding doors, or non-fixed storefronts for outdoor dining. This initiative is designed to help restaurants take advantage of California’s mild climate, enhancing their ability to serve customers outdoors and potentially increasing their sales.
The second measure, AB 671, establishes a voluntary fast-track permitting process tailored for small, independent restaurants that are retrofitting existing spaces. This new permitting process allows licensed architects and engineers to self-certify basic plans, streamlining the process for restaurant owners and significantly reducing the bureaucratic hurdles they face.
These legislative measures have been designed in response to feedback from restaurant owners who face “endless hurdles” amid a challenging economic environment. The intent behind the initiatives is to assist restaurateurs in transforming their concepts into viable businesses while maintaining safety standards.
Recent data from OpenTable indicates that dining traffic in Los Angeles has dropped by 5% as of August 2023. This decline further emphasizes the need for strategic initiatives to support restaurants as they navigate the impacts of changing consumer habits and external economic factors.
The introduction of these two measures reflects a proactive approach by California lawmakers to bolster an essential sector of the state’s economy, ensuring that small businesses can continue to thrive despite ongoing challenges.
Key Statistics:
- California has over 4.2 million small businesses.
- Restaurants account for 86,000 locations and support 1.8 million jobs.
- The restaurant sector generates $220 billion in sales annually.
- There has been a 5% drop in dining traffic in Los Angeles through August 2023.
FAQ Section
What are the new measures introduced in California to support the restaurant industry?
California has introduced two new measures, AB 592 and AB 671, aimed at supporting its struggling restaurant industry.
What does AB 592 allow?
AB 592 allows restaurants with open kitchens to utilize windows, folding doors, or non-fixed storefronts for outdoor dining, taking advantage of California’s mild climate.
What is the purpose of AB 671?
AB 671 establishes a voluntary fast-track permitting process for small, independent restaurants that are retrofitting existing spaces, allowing licensed architects and engineers to self-certify basic plans.
How many small businesses are in California?
California is home to over 4.2 million small businesses, which account for 99.9% of total enterprises in the state.
What impact do restaurants have on California’s economy?
The restaurant sector is the largest private employer in California, supporting 1.8 million jobs and generating $220 billion in sales annually.
How much has dining traffic dropped in Los Angeles?
According to data from OpenTable, dining traffic in Los Angeles has seen a 5% drop through August 2023.
| Measure | Description |
|---|---|
| AB 592 | Allows restaurants with open kitchens to utilize windows, folding doors, or non-fixed storefronts for outdoor dining. |
| AB 671 | Establishes a voluntary fast-track permitting process for small, independent restaurants retrofitting existing spaces. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Palisades News: New California Laws for Restaurants
- Wikipedia: California
- LA Times: Minimum Wage for Tourism Workers
- Google Search: California restaurant industry
- Second Measure: Food Delivery Services Data
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Restaurant
Author: Anaheim Staff Writer
The Anaheim Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREAnaheim.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Anaheim, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as major conventions at the Anaheim Convention Center, including NAMM and VidCon, exciting games at Angel Stadium and Honda Center, and developments at Disneyland Resort Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce and Visit Anaheim, plus leading businesses in hospitality, entertainment, and innovation that power the local economy As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECostaMesa.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
