California State Legislature Passes Two Bills to Assist Small Restaurants

SACRAMENTO – This week the California State Legislature passed two bills by Assemblymembers Buffy Wicks (D-Oakland) and Jesse Gabriel (D-Encino) to support California’s restaurant industry.

Wicks’ bill, AB 671, helps small restaurants open faster by cutting unnecessary red tape while preserving critical health and safety protections. The bill creates a voluntary, expedited path for permitting small, independent restaurants seeking to retrofit existing spaces — allowing licensed architects and engineers to self-certify simple plans while maintaining all required inspections and safety checks.

“For too long, small restaurants have been stuck in a permitting quagmire instead of doing what they love: serving meals to hungry customers,” said Assemblymember Wicks. “AB 671 gives small business owners a chance to open their doors faster, hire workers sooner, and start realizing their dreams — all without compromising safety. I’m thrilled to see it pass out of the Legislature, and I urge Governor Newsom to sign this bill so we can help bring more life and energy to our main streets.”

Assemblymember Gabriel’s bill, AB 592, supports California community restaurants by cutting red tape and maximizing their ability to offer outdoor dining. This important measure also enables open-kitchen restaurants to fully leverage California’s exceptional climate by permitting windows, folding doors, or non-fixed storefronts.

“Neighborhood restaurants are the backbone of communities across California, but too many are barely hanging on by a thread,” said Assemblymember Gabriel. “Our bill will cut red tape and provide regulatory flexibility to allow restaurants to stay open and offer more outdoor dining options. I’m grateful for the strong support received from restaurants across California and I urge Governor Newsom to sign this bill.”

Both measures have received strong support from local restaurants and industry leaders, who view these reforms as critical to keeping small businesses alive and thriving in the wake of pandemic-era challenges.

What restaurants are saying

“Assembly bills 592 and 671 are so important to our members this year as they face many obstacles to keeping their doors open, and we are hopeful the Governor will sign them. Lawmakers have made affordability a top priority this year, and both bills will cut costs and red tape for neighborhood restaurants while maintaining California’s strict health and safety standards for guests,” said Matt Sutton, Senior Vice President, Government Affairs + Public Policy for the California Restaurant Association.

“It would be a boon for neighborhood restaurants like mine if the Governor signs both bills. I’m currently dealing with expensive and unnecessary permitting delays to open a new restaurant concept. Permitting delays mean fewer jobs and economic activation essential to local governments and community revitalization,” adds Allen Kou, owner/operator of Zinfandel Grille, Prelude Kitchen & Bar, and President of the Sacramento Chapter of the California Restaurant Association.

Next Steps

Governor Newsom will have until October 12 to decide whether to veto the bill or sign it into law. 

 # # #