Nearing four years of COVID-era Al Fresco changes in LA

June 2020 marked L.A.’s Phase Two reopening, with the help of Mayor Eric Garcetti. The city granted businesses to reopen, which included restaurants at a 60% capacity. In support of this legislation, Mayor Garcetti rolled out L.A. Al Fresco which allowed outdoor dining opportunities for indoor restaurants that follow strict social distancing rules. 

What was L.A. Al Fresco in 2020?

L.A. Al Fresco aimed 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 received immediate approval and provide outdoor dining in the following areas:

• Sidewalks
• Private Parking Lots

Revocable Permits vs. L.A. Al Fresco

Both permits allowed businesses to operate on the public sidewalk but followed 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

Many of these changes are still in existence today and we can help you navigate the different available permits.

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.