Newsom Announces Continued Regulatory Relief for Restaurants and Bars

On Thursday, Governor Gavin Newsom visited a restaurant in San Francisco to announce a series of actions to provide restaurants, bars, breweries, and wineries with regulatory relief as the state prepares to reopen its economy with the retirement of the Blueprint for a Safer Economy on June 15.

Specifically, the Newsom Administration extended relief measures permitting restaurants and bars to continue outdoor operations in areas such as sidewalks and parking lots and to continue the sale of to-go alcoholic beverages with food deliveries. The Administration is also urging local governments to facilitate outdoor dining opportunities through local zoning and programs that support and promote expanded open-air, takeout, and delivery options. Additionally, the Administration’s action will allow bars to continue to partner with food trucks, caterers, or restaurants to sell meals with beverages, as required, and allow wineries and breweries to partner with restaurants to host virtual dinners with wine and beer pairings.

The notice of regulatory relief is available here. The Governor’s letter to local governments is available here.