Los Angeles, California, October 16, 2025
News Summary
California has unveiled two significant measures, AB 592 and AB 671, to aid its struggling restaurant industry. These initiatives aim to alleviate regulatory burdens and enhance outdoor dining options. While AB 592 permits open kitchens to utilize outdoor spaces, AB 671 introduces a fast-track permitting process for independent restaurants. Together, these measures aim to foster growth and assist restaurants amidst the economic challenges exacerbated by the pandemic.
California has introduced two new measures to support its struggling restaurant industry. The announcement took place at Joyce restaurant in downtown Los Angeles and aims to alleviate regulatory burdens facing small businesses experiencing economic challenges such as rising costs and changing federal policies.
California is home to over 4.2 million small businesses, which account for 99.9% of total enterprises in the state. These small businesses employ nearly half of the private sector workforce, approximately 7 million people. The restaurant sector alone includes over 86,000 locations, making it the largest private employer in California and supporting 1.8 million jobs. Furthermore, the restaurant sector generates $220 billion in sales annually, underscoring its importance to the state’s economy.
The first measure, AB 592, allows restaurants with open kitchens to use windows, folding doors, or non-fixed storefronts for outdoor dining, taking advantage of California’s mild climate. This initiative is designed to help restaurants enhance their dining capacity while attracting more customers outdoors. The second measure, AB 671, introduces a voluntary fast-track permitting process for small, independent restaurants looking to retrofit existing spaces. This process enables licensed architects and engineers to self-certify basic plans, streamlining the permitting process for restaurant owners.
Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D-Encino) stated that the new law addresses the “endless hurdles” that neighborhood restaurants face amid ongoing economic difficulties. Assemblymember Buffy Wicks (D-Oakland) noted the importance of assisting restaurateurs in turning their ideas into reality without sacrificing safety standards. With data from OpenTable indicating a 5% drop in dining traffic in Los Angeles through August 2025, these measures are timely and critical for the restaurant industry’s survival.
Impact of the Measures
The introduction of AB 592 and AB 671 is expected to create a more favorable environment for struggling restaurants. By reducing regulatory burdens and enhancing outdoor dining options, the state aims to stimulate growth and recover lost dining traffic. The fast-track permitting process can facilitate quicker and more efficient renovations for independent restaurants, which are often more vulnerable to economic fluctuations compared to larger establishments.
Background Context
California’s restaurant industry has faced numerous challenges, particularly exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and shifting federal policies. Rising costs, including food supplies and labor, have made it increasingly difficult for restaurants to maintain profitability. The measures introduced by the state government signal a commitment to support local businesses and sustain the livelihoods of millions of workers employed within the restaurant sector.
With the implementation of these initiatives, California positions itself as a proactive state in defending and uplifting its small business ecosystem, particularly in the iconic and significant restaurant sector that forms a core part of its cultural and economic fabric.
FAQ
What new measures has California introduced to support the restaurant industry?
California has introduced two new measures: AB 592 allows restaurants with open kitchens to utilize windows, folding doors, or non-fixed storefronts for outdoor dining, and AB 671 establishes a voluntary fast-track permitting process for small, independent restaurants retrofitting existing spaces.
Why were these measures introduced?
These measures aim to reduce regulatory burdens on small businesses facing economic challenges, including rising costs and shifting federal policies, and to help restaurateurs manage through a period of decreased dining traffic.
What is the impact of the restaurant sector in California?
The restaurant sector in California includes over 86,000 locations, supports 1.8 million jobs, and generates $220 billion in sales annually, making it the largest private employer in the state.
Key Features of the New Measures
| 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
- Los Angeles Times: Minimum Wage for Tourism Workers
- Google Search: California restaurant industry
- CN Traveller: Wolfgang Puck’s Favourite Restaurants
- Google Scholar: California restaurant measures
- KTLA: LA Officials Announce Preparedness Measures
- Encyclopedia Britannica: California economy
- KTLA: LA County Sales Tax Hike
- Google News: California restaurant laws
Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego 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 Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
