California, August 19, 2025
News Summary
California has introduced Assembly Bill 671 (AB 671) to simplify the restaurant permitting process, enabling establishments to open within 20 business days. Supported by DoorDash, this legislation aims to reduce operational costs and enhance job creation in the restaurant sector, which is vital to the state’s economy. AB 671 is anticipated to improve the efficiency of local eateries, helping them to thrive in a challenging environment.
California Introduces Legislation to Streamline Restaurant Permitting Process
California has announced new legislation that seeks to simplify the process for opening and operating restaurants. Supported by DoorDash, this measure, known as Assembly Bill 671 (AB 671), aims to address the challenges faced by local eateries, which play a crucial role in the state’s economy.
Local restaurants generate over $220 billion annually in sales and employ one in ten workers in California. However, the state has faced a decline in restaurant employment since 2019, making it one of the most challenging states for new restaurants to establish themselves. The complex and lengthy permitting processes have resulted in increased operational costs and hindered job creation within the industry.
Details of Assembly Bill 671
AB 671, introduced by Assemblymember Buffy Wicks, outlines critical changes to the permitting landscape for California restaurants. The legislation proposes a new time frame for permit approvals, allowing establishments to open within 20 business days after their application is submitted. Additionally, existing restaurants will benefit from expedited processes for operational improvements without experiencing significant delays related to permits.
To bolster the efficiency of this process, the legislation stipulates that local health and building departments must respond to permit applications and rectify deficiencies within specified timeframes—20 business days for permits and 10 business days for responses to denied applications. This change is expected to ensure that small businesses can reduce downtime and compliance costs, ultimately keeping more restaurant staff employed.
Support from the Restaurant Industry
DoorDash has expressed a strong commitment to enhancing local economies and is advocating for sensible reforms that benefit restaurant entrepreneurs. The company’s Vice President of Global Public Policy emphasized the importance of these common-sense reforms to encourage job growth and support small businesses. In reflection of the urgent need for changes in the permitting process, a local restaurant owner highlighted the significant financial burden incurred due to permit delays, stressing the need for faster access to permits to efficiently serve customers.
Wider Momentum for AB 671
DoorDash is actively mobilizing support from merchants across California to back AB 671. The platform has partnered with industry leaders to advocate for the bill’s passage, which aims to make California a more attractive location for restaurant businesses. The passage of this legislation is anticipated to alleviate some of the burdens that restaurants face, further aiding in the recovery and future growth of the restaurant sector.
Conclusion
AB 671 is a significant legislative step toward streamlining the permitting process for restaurants in California. The expected benefits of this bill could enhance the operational landscape for local eateries, providing them with the opportunity to thrive and positively impact the state’s economy.
FAQ
What is Assembly Bill 671 (AB 671)?
AB 671 is a proposed legislation in California aimed at streamlining the restaurant permitting process. It seeks to shorten the time it takes for new restaurants to receive permits from local health and building departments.
How does AB 671 benefit restaurant owners?
The bill allows restaurant owners to open within 20 business days after submitting an application and provides quicker processing for operational improvements without significant delays.
Who is supporting AB 671?
DoorDash is one of the key supporters of AB 671 and is advocating for the bill’s passage alongside various industry leaders and merchants throughout California.
What impact does the restaurant industry have on California’s economy?
The restaurant industry in California generates over $220 billion annually in sales and employs one in ten workers, indicating its vital role in the state’s overall economy.
Key Features of AB 671
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Permit Approval Timeline | 20 business days for new restaurant applications and 10 business days for responses to denied applications. |
| Operational Improvements | Existing restaurants can make changes without significant permit delays. |
| Support from Industry | Backed by DoorDash and various merchants across California. |
| Impact on Economy | Supports job creation and boosts local economic growth. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- DoorDash News
- Eater LA
- NRN
- Allergic Living
- ABC10 News
- Wikipedia: California Restaurant Industry
- Google Search: California Restaurant Legislation
- Google Scholar: California Restaurant Law
- Encyclopedia Britannica: California Restaurant System
- Google News: California Restaurant News
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
