California, October 16, 2025
News Summary
California has implemented two new measures, AB 592 and AB 671, aimed at aiding the struggling restaurant industry facing economic challenges. These initiatives are designed to ease regulatory burdens on small businesses, encouraging outdoor dining options and a streamlined permitting process for renovations. With 4.2 million small businesses in the state, the restaurant sector is crucial to the economy, employing 1.8 million individuals. The legislation represents a proactive step to support this vital industry during tough economic times.
California has introduced two new measures aimed at supporting its struggling restaurant industry amidst declining dining traffic. The announcement was made at Joyce restaurant in downtown Los Angeles. These initiatives are intended to alleviate the regulatory burdens faced by small businesses that are encountering economic challenges, which encompass rising costs and shifting federal policies.
Approximately 4.2 million small businesses operate in California, constituting 99.9% of total enterprises within the state. These small businesses are vital to the state’s economy as they employ nearly half of the private sector workforce, which equates to about 7 million individuals. Notably, the restaurant sector is the largest private employer in California, consisting of over 86,000 locations and supporting 1.8 million jobs. Furthermore, this sector generates an impressive $220 billion in sales annually.
The first measure, known as AB 592, allows restaurants with open kitchens to utilize windows, folding doors, or non-fixed storefronts to facilitate outdoor dining. This provision capitalizes on California’s mild climate, thereby enhancing dining options for patrons while minimizing regulatory hurdles. The second measure, AB 671, establishes a voluntary fast-track permitting process for small, independent restaurants that are retrofitting existing spaces. Under this new permitting process, licensed architects and engineers are empowered to self-certify basic plans, streamlining the approval process for renovations.
Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel, a Democrat representing Encino, pointed out that this legislation addresses the “endless hurdles” that neighborhood restaurants encounter amid economic hardships. Similarly, Assemblymember Buffy Wicks, a Democrat from Oakland, stressed the importance of assisting restaurateurs in converting their ideas into realities while ensuring that safety standards are maintained.
Recent data from OpenTable indicates a 5% drop in dining traffic in Los Angeles through August 2025, highlighting the urgency for supportive measures in the restaurant sector. As restaurants continue to navigate these challenges, California’s new regulations aim to provide much-needed relief to a critical segment of the state’s economy.
Summary of New Measures
| Measure | Description |
|---|---|
| AB 592 | Allows open kitchens to use windows, folding doors, or non-fixed storefronts for outdoor dining. |
| AB 671 | Establishes a voluntary fast-track permitting process for small, independent restaurants to expedite retrofitting of spaces. |
Background Context
The restaurant industry has faced numerous challenges over recent years, including a decline in dining traffic, increased operational costs, and changes in federal policies. With over 1.8 million jobs supported by the restaurant sector in California, the economic stability of this industry is crucial. Overall, the introduction of these new measures reflects a proactive approach by the state to support an essential component of California’s economy amid ongoing challenges.
FAQ
What are the new measures introduced by California to support the restaurant industry?
California has introduced two new measures to support its struggling restaurant industry, AB 592 and AB 671.
What does AB 592 allow?
AB 592 allows restaurants with open kitchens to utilize windows, folding doors, or non-fixed storefronts for outdoor dining.
What does AB 671 establish?
AB 671 establishes a voluntary fast-track permitting process for small, independent restaurants retrofitting existing spaces.
How many small businesses are there in California?
California is home to over 4.2 million small businesses, accounting for 99.9% of total enterprises in the state.
How many jobs are supported by the restaurant sector in California?
The restaurant sector supports 1.8 million jobs in California.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Palisades News: New California Laws Aiming to Ease Rules for Struggling Restaurants
- Los Angeles Times: Minimum Wage for Tourism Workers – Warring Ballot Measures
- CN Traveller: Where the Chefs Eat – Wolfgang Puck’s Favourite Restaurants in Los Angeles
- Los Angeles Times: Union Introduces Dueling Ballot Measures in L.A.’s Tourism Worker Wage Hike
- LAist: How the Restaurant Industry is Trying to Save Itself and What You Can Do to Help
- Wikipedia: California
- Google Search: California restaurant industry
- Google Scholar: California restaurant laws
- Encyclopedia Britannica: California
- Google News: California restaurants
Author: STAFF HERE BEVERLY HILLS WRITER
The Beverly Hills Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREBeverlyHills.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles 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 the Rodeo Drive Concours d'Elegance, the Beverly Hills artSHOW, Concerts on Canon, and holiday celebrations throughout the city. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce and Visit Beverly Hills, plus leading businesses in luxury fashion, hospitality, and entertainment that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELosAngeles.com, HERESantaAna.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, and HERECostaMesa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
