News Summary
Santa Monica local eateries are poised for a boost as the city temporarily relaxes regulations, making it easier for restaurants to draw crowds during March Madness. Changes include lifting hour restrictions, easing alcohol sales, and relaxing outdoor dining rules. Interim City Manager Elaine Polachek’s emergency order aims to assist businesses recovering from previous economic hardships, ensuring a lively atmosphere for patrons to enjoy food, drinks, and basketball. This temporary measure lasts until April 30, 2023, fostering community support and economic revival.
Santa Monica Shakes Things Up for March Madness!
Boosting Business with Eased Regulations
In a forward-thinking move, the city of Santa Monica has rolled up its sleeves to help local restaurants make a splash during the exciting March Madness college basketball tournament. These changes are especially crucial for businesses still trying to bounce back from the economic challenges brought on by the January Palisades Fire.
Interim City Manager Elaine Polachek has signed off on a second supplement to an Emergency Order, all set in motion by the City Council on January 10. While the city itself didn’t fall victim to the flames, many restaurants and shops are feeling the heat from decreased consumer activity and inflation pressures, meaning it’s time for some action!
What’s Changing?
So, what does this all mean for diners and businesses alike? Well, the city has taken steps to temporarily suspend various restaurant regulations, making it easier and more enticing for folks to come out and enjoy themselves. Let’s break it down!
- Hours of Operation: Limits on how late restaurants can stay open are now off the table.
- Alcohol Service: Cheers! Restrictions on alcohol sales, including those pesky bans on disposable containers, have been lifted.
- Entertainment & Activities: Restaurants can enhance their atmospheres with larger screens for games, along with the freedom to include pool tables, video games, and darts—fun is back in business!
- Dining Flexibility: Many requirements, such as serving food with alcohol purchases, have been relaxed, offering patrons more choices when socializing.
- Outdoor Dining: The rules on how outdoor dining areas are set up have also been relaxed, bringing more options to those who love dining al fresco.
- Seating Limits: Previously imposed restrictions on indoor and outdoor seating are now a thing of the past, letting restaurants accommodate more customers as they cheer on their favorite teams.
Aiming for Recovery
Community Development Director Arminé Chaparyan has shared that this temporary relaxation of regulations is a prime example of the city’s dedication to supporting local economic recovery. Local eateries reported sales plunging between 10% to 20% back in January, with some businesses near the beach facing even steeper declines of up to 40%.
This emergency order will stay in effect until April 30, but there’s always a chance for an extension depending on the needs of the community. Additionally, the order includes helpful provisions for hotels that may need extensions on their Transient Occupancy Tax payments and supports Santa Monica schools in expanding enrollment for displaced Palisades students. Plus, local short-term rental restrictions will be reinstated starting April 19, ensuring that regulations are properly followed.
The Silver Lining
Despite facing significant challenges, the sun is shining on Santa Monica as it embraces this opportunity to revitalize the restaurant scene during one of sports’ most thrilling seasons. It’s the perfect chance for families, friends, and fans to gather around their favorite food, drinks, and, most importantly, basketball games!
So, make sure to support your local eateries and enjoy the March Madness festivities! With the spotlight on Santa Monica, it’s a prime time to grab a bite, sip a drink, and cheer on the teams together.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
California Introduces New Business Owners Policy to Address Wildfire Risks
Beverly Hills Proposes New Residential Tower ‘The Eastern’
Los Angeles Welcomes New Fine Dining Restaurants: Seline and Somni
Additional Resources
- Santa Monica Mirror: Restaurant Regulations Eased
- Wikipedia: Santa Monica, California
- Santa Monica Daily Press: St. Patty’s Day Weekend
- Google Search: Santa Monica restaurant economy
- Daily News: Fitoor Restaurant
- Google Scholar: Santa Monica restaurant regulations
- Eater LA: Best Sports Bars in Los Angeles
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Santa Monica, California
- Santa Monica Mirror: St. Patrick’s Day Guide
- Google News: Santa Monica restaurants post fire
- Daily News: Din Tai Fung Opening
- Google Search: Din Tai Fung Santa Monica
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.
