California To Allow Expanded Outdoor Dining, To-Go Cocktails Past June 15 Reopening Of State
SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF) -- California will continue to allow outdoor dining expansions and parklets past the June 15 date of the state's reopening as part of a plan to boost restaurant business, Governor Gavin Newsom announced Thursday.
Restaurants will also be allowed to continue selling to-go cocktails under an extension of the Newsom administration's regulatory relief for restaurants through December 31.
"This will both promote public health by encouraging outdoor dining and promote the economic recovery of the restaurant sectors by allowing restaurants and bars to benefit from the substantial investments that they have made in their outdoor operations," the governor's office said in a statement to local governments.
Under the extension, bars can also continue to partner with food trucks, catering companies or restaurants in order to sell meals with their beverages, as required. Wineries and breweries can continue to partner with restaurants to host virtual dinners with wine and beer pairings, according to the governor's office.
Newsom announced the extension of the provisions at an afternoon press conference in San Francisco outside Tommy's Mexican Restaurant on Geary Blvd. in the city's Richmond District where he was joined by Mayor London Breed and the California Restaurant Association President and CEO Jot Condie.
"As the state turns to post-pandemic life, we'll continue to adapt best practices that have helped businesses transform customer experience for the better," Newsom said in his visit to the restaurant. "With new opportunities and support for businesses large and small, and the California can-do spirit that has carried us through the past year, we will come roaring back from this pandemic."
A survey by the National Restaurant Association found 78% of restaurant owners who began selling take-out alcohol rehired laid-off employees compared to 62% overall.
At least 33 states including California are temporarily allowing the sale of to-go cocktails during the pandemic.
