Mayor Garcetti Introduces LA Al Fresco

Friday marked the start of L.A.’s Phase Two reopening with the help of Mayor Eric Garcetti. Test centers across the county have had the lowest positive ratings since they started testing. With the reduced spread, the city has granted businesses to reopen which includes restaurants at a 60% capacity. In support of this legislation, Mayor Garcetti rolled out L.A. Al Fresco which allows outdoor dining opportunities for indoor restaurants that follow strict social distancing rules. 

What is L.A. Al Fresco?

L.A. Al Fresco aims to help businesses reopen while allowing customers and employees to maintain the physical distance recommended by public health officials by temporarily relaxing the rules that regulate outdoor dining.

Eligible restaurants will receive immediate approval and provide outdoor dining in the following areas:

• Sidewalks
• Private Parking Lots

Revocable Permits vs. L.A. Al Fresco

Both permits allow businesses to operate on the public sidewalk but follow different guidelines. We’ve highlighted the differences between the two below.

L.A.’s Revocable Permit (R-Permit) allows

• Restaurants to expand their footprint onto the public sidewalk to increase visibility and realize more income due to expanded seating capacity
• The Process can take up to five to six months to receive approval 
• They do not expire as long as terms and conditions are met, but can be revoked at any time by the City at the City’s discretion
• Restaurants with existing alcohol permits will be allowed to serve alcohol

L.A. Al Fresco allows

• Outdoor dining opportunities for indoor restaurants that follow strict social distancing rules. 
• Eligible restaurants will receive same day approval 
• They expire after 90 days, or September 1st (whichever is sooner), and may re-apply for a new temporary allowance
• Restaurants with existing alcohol permits will be allowed to serve alcohol

Not sure which permit works best for your business? We suggest considering both to cover your temporary and permanent needs so you’re able to adapt to ongoing changes.

Burnham Nationwide is experienced in obtaining business licenses and permits, and our team is available to answer any questions you may have on obtaining one with the City of Los Angeles for the 2020 season and beyond.