Sen. Dodd Responds to Governor’s Restaurant Relief

SACRAMENTO – Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, issued the following statement today in response to an executive action from Gov. Gavin Newsom providing critical relief for small businesses including restaurants as they recover from the coronavirus pandemic:

“I thank the governor for his leadership in supporting the recovery of restaurants,” Sen. Dodd said. “They have been devastated by the pandemic and this action will immediately assist these small businesses and the people they employ. My own legislation will make to-go cocktail service permanent, providing long-term relief and consumer choice.”

Earlier this year, Sen. Dodd introduced Senate Bill 389, which would allow both bars and restaurant to sell to-go alcoholic beverages. SB 389 calls for appropriate safeguards enforced by ABC to ensure alcohol is not sold to minors. The bill was approved in the Senate with unanimous support.

Sen. Dodd’s proposal came as restaurants nationwide experience billions in losses because of lockdowns and social distancing requirements to stop the spread of coronavirus. A survey by the National Restaurant Association found 78% of restaurant owners who began selling take-out alcohol rehired laid off employees compared to 62% overall. At least 33 states including California are temporarily allowing the sale of to-go cocktails during the pandemic.

Sen. Dodd, who is chair of the Senate Governmental Organization committee overseeing such areas as alcohol regulation, introduced the bill with the support of the California Restaurant Association.

Today, Gov. Newsom announced an extension until Dec. 31 of the administration’s earlier regulatory relief order allowing restaurants to sell to-go cocktails and offer expanded outdoor service, among other provisions.

Link: https://www.abc.ca.gov/eighth-notice-of-regulatory-relief/

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Senator Bill Dodd represents the 3rd Senate District, which includes all or portions of Napa, Yolo, Sonoma, Solano, Sacramento and Contra Costa counties. More information on Senator Bill Dodd can be found at www.senate.ca.gov/dodd.