The Los Angeles City Council unanimously voted on Wednesday, expanding the Restaurant Beverage Program (RBP) to include downtown businesses and parts of northeast LA.
The RBP ordinance was adopted in February 2022 and became effective the following month. Under the ordinance, council members can designate specific areas where eligible sit-down restaurants can serve alcoholic beverages without obtaining a conditional-use permit.
During the vote, Council members Nithya Raman and Kevin de León were absent but arrived later to the council meeting.
In April, de León introduced the motion to include downtown L.A. restaurants in an effort to support the struggling restaurant and hospitality industry amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
The motion states, “Alcohol service contributes significantly to restaurants’ revenue and often determines their success. However, restaurants that serve alcohol must comply with state and local regulations.”
The motion further explains that the RBP will simplify the process for sit-down restaurants with a kitchen and full menu to obtain clearance for serving alcohol. This will provide long-term financial incentives by encouraging the opening of new restaurants, increasing employment opportunities, and creating vibrant neighborhoods.
The board of directors of the Downtown Los Angeles Neighborhood Council had previously voted in favor of the motion. In their community impact statement, they highlighted the importance of alcohol sales for many businesses’ survival and recovery from the pandemic.
The statement reads, “Implementing the RBP in downtown would reduce costs and time for opening new small restaurants and create a more equitable process for struggling small businesses in obtaining CUB licenses from the city. Given the ongoing challenges faced by our small businesses, the RBP would greatly support their recovery efforts.”
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