Credit: Stanislav Ivanitskiy via Unsplash.
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Staff Writer
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March 23, 2026
Introduced by Assemblymember Matt Haney, Assembly Bill 342 (AB 342) would allow cities to establish designated “hospitality zones” where licensed businesses could serve alcohol until 4 a.m.
According to the official bill text, eligible establishments within these zones could “sell or give alcoholic beverages until 4 a.m.” on Fridays, Saturdays, and specified state holidays, provided they comply with licensing and local regulations. If approved by the Legislature, the law would take effect starting June 1, 2026.
How hospitality zones would work in L.A.
Photo by Jon Viscott / Flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0) – Courtesy of WeHo City.
While AB 342 applies statewide, its real impact would depend on how individual cities implement it, and Los Angeles is one of the most likely to take advantage. Under the bill, some popular areas such as DTLA, Hollywood, or parts of Koreatown, could become “Hospitality Zones”, but implementation wouldn’t be automatic, as the City would need to:
Formally approve each hospitality zone
Define its geographic boundaries
Develop a policing and safety plan
Coordinate with local businesses and residents
For L.A., the proposal could serve as a tool to boost nighttime economic activity, especially in districts still recovering from pandemic-era slowdowns. Longer hours could mean more foot traffic, increased revenue for local businesses, and a more competitive nightlife scene compared to cities like New York or Miami.
Where the bill stands now
Photo courtesy of The Stalking Horse Pub.
Proposed AB 342 remains under consideration in the California Legislature, and it must still pass committee stages and both legislative chambers before reaching the governor’s desk.
Its future is uncertain, but if it moves forward, Los Angeles could be among the first major cities on the West Coast to test what a 4 a.m. nightlife economy looks like in the Golden State.