December 13, 2024 #1 Local News, Forum, Information and Event Source for Venice Beach, California.

4 a.m. Last Call?

The possibility of extending last call in Venice is closer than ever.

By Tor Marom

The nightlife in Venice may be on the verge of stretching a bit further.

Senate Bill 905, introduced by California State Senator Scott Wiener, would allow the sale of alcohol to extend from 2 a.m. to 4 a.m. in nine California Cities. On August 30, state legislators approved the bill, sending it to Governor Jerry Brown for his signature.

The cities included in the bill are as follows: Cathedral City, Coachella, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Oakland, Palm Springs, Sacramento, San Francisco and West Hollywood.

According to a statement released by his office, Sen. Wiener thinks that the extension of alcohol sales, while unnecessary in smaller provinces, is beneficial to bigger cities with nightlife economies.

“When it comes to nightlife, you can’t compare downtown Los Angeles or San Francisco to a small town,” he said. “Local communities should be able to size up their own nightlife needs and decide their own closing time.”

The bill, if signed, would allow the previously mentioned cities to participate in a 5-year pilot program beginning in January 2021. This would allow each city the option to extend alcohol sales in bars, restaurants and nightclubs if the city so chooses. That said, the bill would have no effect on the sale of alcohol in liquor stores, which will still be required to stop serving by 2 a.m.

The strongest voice opposing the bill is that of Los Angeles City Councilmember Paul Koretz, who represents much of West L.A. While SB 905 will only extend alcohol sales in the approved cities, Koretz argues that drunk drivers will not be as easily contained.

“No district is an island and it is outrageous to call this a local discretion bill when its impacts will spill over into adjacent jurisdictions,” he said at a press event on August 6. “Only a dumba** would value nightlife over all life and vote YES for this bill.”

Yo! Venice spoke with Koretz’s director of communication, Alison Simard, to get more insight on his views.

“[Koretz] likens it to the ‘21-18-21’ problem,” she said. “When you used to be able to drink at 21, and they reduced the drinking age to 18 […] it really was a painful untangling to return to 21.”

In order to gauge the success or failure of the pilot program, each city which chooses to participate will be required to provide a yearly report showing the impact in the city, as stated in the bill.

“The report shall include information on any impact the additional service hours had on crime rates in the city, including arrests for driving under the influence and domestic violence,” Senator Weiner’s statement reads.

The statement released by Sen. Wiener’s office also provides examples of the various ways that each city could choose to implement the pilot program.


Bars like The Brig in Venice would be able to stay open until 4 a.m. under a recently passed state bill.

“Cities will have significant flexibility and can, for example, limit extended hours only to certain neighborhoods, only to certain nights of the week, or only to a few nights a year.”

Beyond Koretz, there are many other individuals and groups which have shown opposition to SB 905.

Scott Suckow, executive director of the American Liver Foundation’s Pacific Coast division argued that the nightlife in California is dangerous enough as it is.

“Extending bar closing times to 4:00 a.m. will mean more young people dying in their prime due to this terrible disease,” he said. “California already suffers more alcohol-related harm than any other state – $37.5 billion annually.”

Other groups opposed to the bill include the Los Angeles Drug and Alcohol Policy Alliance, Mothers Against Drunk Driving and the National Liquor Law Enforcement Association.

Gov. Brown has until September 30 to approve the bill.

in Dining
Related Posts

TONIGHT: La Cabaña to Celebrate 60 Years with a Throwback Fiesta

December 11, 2024

December 11, 2024

La Cabaña Began in 1963 as a Small, Thatched-Roof Hut, or “CabañA,” and Has Grown Into a Beloved Venice Landmark...

Venice Shorts: Baja Builds Out New Outdoor Seating Area

December 9, 2024

December 9, 2024

Longtime Venice Locale Finalizing Major Upgrade for Customers  By Nick Antonicello Baja Cantina, the longtime Mexican restaurant located on Washington...

Venice Shorts: Cow’s End Cafe Complete New Renovations

December 8, 2024

December 8, 2024

The Iconic Coffee Shop and Meeting Place Has a Fresh New Look By Nick Antonicello The Cow’s End, located in...

This Venice Restaurant Made LA Times’ 101 Best Restaurants in LA

December 4, 2024

December 4, 2024

The Menu Showcases Striking Seafood Dishes, Such as Surf Clams in Culantro Leche de Tigre and Shrimp Dumplings Si! Mon,...

Celebrate the Holidays in Style at Regent Santa Monica Beach At Chef Michael Mina’s Orla

December 4, 2024

December 4, 2024

Enjoy Brunch With Santa and a Mediterranean-inspired Christmas Dinner at Orla Celebrate the 2024 holiday season at the Regent Santa...

Raw Farm Sales Suspended, All Products Recalled, LA Public Health Issues Warning

December 4, 2024

December 4, 2024

Multiple Detections of Bird Flu at Facility Cause Statewide Recall of All Products The Los Angeles County Department of Public...

(Video) Make Your Holiday Meal Perfect With Wild Fork Foods

December 3, 2024

December 3, 2024

The Meat and Seafood Market is Located at 2570 Lincoln Blvd. in Venice @wildforkfoods The Meat and Seafood Market is...

Famed Venice Restaurant The Rose to Close After 45 Years

December 1, 2024

December 1, 2024

Beloved Neighborhood Staple to Serve Final Brunch Soon By Dolores Quintana The Rose, a beloved neighborhood restaurant that was first...

(Video) Wild Fork Foods is a One-Stop Shop For Thanksgiving Delicacies

November 22, 2024

November 22, 2024

The Frozen Meat Supermarket Is Located at 2570 Lincoln Blvd. The Frozen Meat Supermarket Is Located at 2570 Lincoln Blvd....

Breakaway Café Opens New Venice Location with Beachside Grab-and-Go Window

November 20, 2024

November 20, 2024

Bayse Brothers Bring Their Signature Breakfast Dishes and Good Vibes to Venice Breakaway Café, a popular breakfast and lunch eatery...

Venice Shorts: Baja Cantina Renovates Outdoor Seating During Construction

November 20, 2024

November 20, 2024

A Long-Time Popular Venue Is Open for Business During its Reconfiguration By Nick Antonicello Baja Cantina (www.bajacantina.com), the iconic Mexican...

(Video) Santa Monica Brew Works Available For Holiday Parties and Events

November 14, 2024

November 14, 2024

Space For Groups 20-300+. Visit Santamonicabrewworks.com For More Info.

Thanksgiving 2024: The Best Places to Order Your Holiday Pies in Los Angeles

November 7, 2024

November 7, 2024

Get Ready for Your Thanksgiving Dinner With the Best Desserts November is the official start of the holiday season and...

The Whaler Celebrates 80 Years as Venice Landmark

November 6, 2024

November 6, 2024

Throughout November, the Whaler Will Feature Drink and Food Specials, Live Music, and Weekend Events The Whaler, a Venice Beach...

Michael Mina’s Egyptian-Mediterranean Restaurant Opens in Santa Monica

October 31, 2024

October 31, 2024

Inside, the 270-Seat Restaurant’s Interior Draws Inspiration From Greek and Egyptian Coastal Aesthetics Renowned chef Michael Mina has opened his...