LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles City Council today voted to establish a permanent Al Fresco outdoor dining program to allow a pathway for restaurants to continue to provide outdoor dining on private property as they were during the pandemic’s temporary program. Mayor Karen Bass applauded the action, which follows efforts by the Administration to codify the important program. Over the past year, Mayor Bass directed departments to coordinate and develop a permanent program platform that supports small businesses and centers them in policy development.
“Today’s approval of the Al Fresco Dining Ordinance continues our work to ensure that Los Angeles is not just open for business but that we are advocating for businesses. The permanent Al Fresco Dining Ordinance carries forward the spirit of the widely successful pandemic-era temporary program and makes sure the process for permanent Al Fresco is simple and easy to navigate for our restaurants,” said Mayor Karen Bass. “I want to thank the City Council for unanimously adopting the outdoor dining ordinance and their coordinated effort to adopt solutions that balance the concerns of the community with the need to relieve small businesses of some of the costs and barriers to doing business in Los Angeles. Together, we are finding better ways to support small businesses, create jobs and add vibrancy to our neighborhoods.”
As the Mayor marked her first year in office last week, she and Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez met with restaurant owners in Highland Park, including Antigua Bread, Las Cazuelas Restaurant & Pupuseria, Otoño Restaurant and Civil Coffee, to hear about their experiences with the Al Fresco program and to discuss ways City Hall can do more to support small businesses.
“Our experience during the pandemic proved that expanded outdoor dining is a boon for business and also brings greater opportunity to enjoy all that is best about Los Angeles,” said City Council President Paul Krekorian. “The Council’s action today will bring renewed economic and cultural vitality to our neighborhoods and commercial districts.”
“This is a big win for restaurants and the public,” said Council President Pro Tem Marqueece Harris-Dawson. “The permanent Al Fresco dining ordinance will help support mom-and-pop restaurants, create a cultural shift in how public spaces are used in L.A., and demonstrates the best practices for City government working efficiently to serve the people.”
“Many thanks to all of the CD11 restaurants who worked with me and my team over countless hours and meetings to get this policy right,” said Councilwoman Traci Park. “While our work isn’t finished, today’s action is a big step in the right direction.”
"Al Fresco dining kept our local restaurants afloat during the worst of the pandemic when people were still unable to go out and dine-in at restaurants. It was an effective, creative solution and codifying this program is the right thing to do,” said Councilmember Tim McOsker. “I am pleased that we were able to work together with the Council and the Mayor to amend the program to further simplify it for small businesses to qualify and implement permanent Al Fresco dining."
“The Al Fresco program was a life saver for business across the city during the height of the pandemic, including many of the amazing restaurants right here in Council District 4,” said Councilmember Nithya Raman. “I’m grateful to see the program codified into law, allowing restaurants to continue operating outdoor space that benefits owners and customers alike.”
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING: Here’s what industry leaders and restaurant owners are saying about Mayor Bass and the City Council’s locked arms approach to making Al Fresco permanent:
Eddie Navarrette, Executive Director, The Independent Hospitality Coalition:
“The enactment of this ordinance symbolizes a transformative moment, granting independent restaurants a meaningful voice in shaping policies through collaboration with the City of Los Angeles. Under the visionary guidance of Mayor Bass and the dedicated L.A. council members, we are not only forging a path for our small business hospitality community but also cultivating an environment that fosters prosperity and growth.”
Jot Condie, President and CEO, The Los Angeles Restaurant Association, a Chapter of the California Restaurant Association:
"Today is a great day for LA neighborhood restaurants. While we worked side-by-side with the City during the pandemic itself to help create the initial L.A. Al Fresco dining program, today’s action to permanently embed it into the landscape is fantastic. After collaborating to make this permanent for over a year with City Planning, the City Council, and Mayor Bass’ team, our neighborhood restaurants that have Al Fresco dining are thrilled to be able to continue to serve the public in expanded outdoor footprints. We want to thank the City Departments and City Councilmembers for working on this with us and look forward to continuing the partnership so that the restaurant community can continue to thrive in Los Angeles."
Mott Smith, Vice Chair, City of L.A. Small Business Commission and Chair, Council of Infill Builders:
"Mayor Bass did something very smart. She put regulators and businesses together to solve practical problems and cut red tape. The result is an outdoor dining program that will actually work. It will be a lifeline for literally thousands of small businesses and tens of thousands of jobs. It couldn't come at a better time. This is how you support businesses in L.A."
Lilly Rocha, CEO, Latino Restaurant Association:
"Gracias to the City of Los Angeles for greenlighting the Al Fresco program! Congratulations to the City Council and Mayor's office for championing this initiative. A win for our vibrant community and, most importantly, our small business owners at the Latino Restaurant Association. Exciting times ahead!"
Caitlin Cutler, Co-Owner, Ronan:
“The Los Angeles restaurant community is thrilled that the City of Los Angeles has heard our united voice and passed the Al Fresco Ordinance. The passing of this ordinance is an exemplification of the Mayor’s unwavering support for our city’s small businesses. As restaurants continue to rebuild their strength in a post-pandemic world, we are grateful that the city and all of our policymakers are committed to supporting our hard work and perseverance in the face of overwhelming adversity.”
Carlos Lopez, Owner, Las Cazuelas Restaurant:
“I want to extend my heartfelt thanks and appreciation for Mayor Bass’ and the City Council’s exceptional work on the Al Fresco program and the development of patios for restaurants in our city. Their efforts have significantly contributed to the vibrant culinary scene in Los Angeles, creating a more welcoming and dynamic atmosphere for diners and businesses alike. The impact of these initiatives on our community and local businesses has been profound, especially during challenging times. Their dedication to supporting local businesses and enhancing the dining experience in Los Angeles is truly commendable. We are grateful for their leadership and vision in making our City a more delightful and prosperous place for all.”