LA Begins Process to Make Al Fresco Dining Permanent

A City Council instructions agencies to report on feasibility of making Al Fresco program permanent 

By Sam Catanzaro

Los Angeles lawmakers took steps this week to make permanent the outdoor dining program implemented at the beginning of the pandemic. 

On Wednesday, Los Angeles City Council voted 14-0 with one abstention to make permanent the current Al Fresco program. The program, implemented in May 2020 at the beginning of the pandemic, streamlines the process for restaurants and bars to expand dining areas into the street, sidewalk and private lots adjacent to the applicant’s establishment. 

The Wednesday vote instructed the Los Angeles Bureau of Engineering, Department of Transportation and other agencies to report on recommendations to make the program permanent while being compliant American Disabilities Act regulations.

“After the local emergency is lifted, expectations for in-restaurant dining will likely have changed and flexible outdoor dining settings should continue to be made available,” reads the motion. “Outdoor dining has provided additional dining space for smaller, family owned restaurants, while taking advantage of Southern California’s climate and preserving the unique character of neighborhoods with smaller shops and restaurants.” 

In addition, Council’s action requested the City Attorney to report on the feasibility of revising Department of Transportation policy to give restaurants exclusive use of the public right-of-way. 

Among supporters of making the program permanent is the Independent Hospitality Coalition, representing over 450 members made up of local food service business operators and employees within the Los Angeles area. 

“Al Fresco is currently one of the only lifelines our industry has to survive during these unprecedented times,” the organization wrote in a letter to city council. “As independent small businesses, we don’t have access to financing and funding for support like other large businesses have the ability to do, and we rely on the funding of Al Fresco, as well as the efficiency of this Al Fresco program.” 

Council’s action this week instructs the various departments to report back in 60 days with recommendations on how to move forward with making the program permanent. 

The move comes two weeks after Santa Monica City Council instructed city staff to look into the feasibility of closing down portions of Main Street to traffic on weekends in an effort to facilitate more outdoor dining and retail. 

in Dining
Related Posts

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 7, 2024

November 7, 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...

8 Nights at Birdie G’s: Chef Jeremy Fox Hosts Star-Studded Holiday Dinner Series in Santa Monica

October 23, 2024

October 23, 2024

Top Chefs From Across the USA Collaborate at Special Family-Style Dining Experience Birdie G’s, the Santa Monica restaurant helmed by...

Ghirardelli to Open New Shop Along Ocean Ave

October 17, 2024

October 17, 2024

The New Shop Will Share Space With Other Popular SM Eateries Ghirardelli, the renowned San Francisco-based chocolate company, is set...

Chef Jason Neroni Bids Farewell to L.A. with Exclusive “Biography” Dinner Series

October 10, 2024

October 10, 2024

Renowned Chef to Host Intimate Dinners at Secret Locations Chef Jason Neroni has announced an intimate and reflective series of...

This Weekend: Oktoberfest Celebration Set for Brennan’s Pub

October 3, 2024

October 3, 2024

The Festivities Will Kick off With Live Wrestling on the Turf, Alongside a Selection of Oktoberfest Beer Brennan’s Pub is...

Vittorio Ristorante to Celebrate 40 Years with Throwback Prices

October 2, 2024

October 2, 2024

The Family-Owned Restaurant Will Host a “Throwback to 1984” Event Vittorio Ristorante & Pizzeria, a beloved staple in Pacific Palisades...

(Video) Authentic Sicilian Cafe Opens Along Venice Boardwalk

September 30, 2024

September 30, 2024

Castanea is across from the Venice Skatepark @palisadesnews Castanea is across from the Venice Skatepark #venice #venicebeach #italian #italy #sicily...

(Video) The Lobster Restaurant Celebrates 25 Years in Santa Monica

September 26, 2024

September 26, 2024

The Restaurant Is Next to The Pier @palisadesnews The restaurant is located next to the Pier #seafood #restaurant #food #foodie...

(Video) Meat & Seafood Market Opens New West L.A. Location

September 24, 2024

September 24, 2024

For More Info, Go to wildforkfoods.com @palisadesnews For More Info, Go to wildforkfoods.com #california #losangeles #fyp #meat #seafood #fish #venice...

Malibu-Based Winery to Open Tasting Room in Santa Monica

September 19, 2024

September 19, 2024

AJA Vineyards Was Founded by Todd and Heather Greenbaum in the Santa Monica Mountains AJA Vineyards, a Malibu-based family winery,...

Celebrate With Creative Cocktails and Wine Wednesday at Two of the Westside’s Most Cozy Restaurants

September 18, 2024

September 18, 2024

Enjoy Ronan Restaurant’s Negroni-inspired drinks and Quaff Fine Wine at Hank’s  Ronan, a restaurant located at 7315 Melrose Ave, is...

Off the Hook Seafood Fest Returning to SM Pier After 5-Year Hiatus

September 12, 2024

September 12, 2024

General admission tickets start at $75 Following a five-year hiatus, the Off the Hook Seafood Festival is set to return...

Los Angeles Times Announces Amazing Full Lineup for Food Bowl 2024 for Charity

September 5, 2024

September 5, 2024

Three-Day Festival to Feature Tastings From Top Chefs and VIP Exclusive Bites The Los Angeles Times has announced the full...