California, August 19, 2025
News Summary
California’s new legislation AB 671 aims to expedite the permitting process for restaurants, allowing them to open within 20 business days. Supported by DoorDash and industry leaders, the bill seeks to address long-standing barriers to entry in the restaurant sector, thereby fostering job creation and economic recovery in California’s thriving dining scene.
California Supports Legislation AB 671 to Ease Restaurant Permitting
California has introduced new legislation, known as AB 671, aimed at streamlining the process for opening and operating restaurants throughout the state. The bill is backed by DoorDash, which emphasizes the significance of local eateries to California’s economy. With one in ten workers employed in this sector and annual sales exceeding $220 billion, enhancing the restaurant landscape is crucial for economic renewal.
In recent years, California has witnessed a decline in restaurant employment since 2019, making it the most challenging state in the country to establish a new restaurant. The cumbersome permitting processes, often lengthy and expensive, pose a significant barrier to entry for new and existing businesses, thereby hindering job creation within the industry.
AB 671, introduced by Assemblymember Buffy Wicks, is designed to expedite the permitting process, enabling restaurants to open their doors within 20 business days following application submission. The legislation also seeks to streamline existing operations by facilitating updates and improvements to current restaurants without facing extensive permit delays.
Key Features of AB 671
- Fast Response Times: Local health and building departments will be required to respond to permit applications and rectify deficiencies within specific timeframes: 20 business days for permits and 10 business days for responses to denials.
- Job Preservation: By minimizing downtime and reducing compliance costs, AB 671 will support small businesses in retaining staff and enhancing operational efficiency.
- Broader Economic Impact: The bill aims to bolster the overall health of California’s restaurant sector, making it a more attractive environment for restaurant entrepreneurs.
DoorDash underscores its dedication to uplifting local economies and advocating for practical reforms that benefit restaurant operators and their communities. The company is colleting support from merchants across California for AB 671, indicating a collective push for legislative reform that would ease the operational burden on restaurants.
Advocacy from Restaurant Owners
Restaurant owners like Nayomie Mendoza have vocalized the financial pressures caused by current permit delays, advocating for a more efficient permitting system. The necessity for quicker access to permits has become apparent in order to serve customers effectively and ensure that businesses remain viable in a competitive market.
The support for AB 671 from both industry leaders and DoorDash illustrates a significant move toward reforming the permitting process, reinforcing the notion that local restaurants are vital for California’s economic stability. If passed, the legislation could pave the way for revitalizing the restaurant industry, addressing both current challenges and future needs.
Conclusion
The introduction of AB 671 represents a crucial step in supporting California’s restaurant industry, fostering an environment that encourages entrepreneurship and job creation. As the state navigates the challenges posed by previous regulations, the passage of this bill could signify a transformative change for food service businesses across California.
FAQ Section
What is AB 671?
AB 671 is a new legislation aimed at streamlining the restaurant permitting process in California, allowing restaurants to open within 20 business days after application submission.
How does AB 671 impact existing restaurants?
The legislation facilitates operational improvements in existing restaurants without significant delays in permitting, allowing for quicker adaptations to market needs.
Why is this legislation necessary?
California has become the hardest state to open a restaurant due to burdensome regulations and lengthy permitting processes, adversely affecting job creation in the restaurant industry.
Who supports AB 671?
The bill is supported by DoorDash, alongside various restaurant owners and industry leaders advocating for sensible reforms that benefit the food service sector.
Key Features Chart
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Fast Permitting | Restaurants can open within 20 business days after submitting an application. |
| Streamlined Processes | Local health and building departments must respond to permit applications within specified timeframes. |
| Support for Existing Businesses | Facilitates improvements for existing restaurants without extensive delays. |
| Job Preservation | Reduces downtime and compliance costs, supporting the retention of restaurant staff. |
| Economic Growth | Encourages entrepreneurship and strengthens the local economy. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- DoorDash News: Smart Reforms Help CA Restaurants
- NRN: Restaurant Surcharges in California
- Eater: New California Restaurant Laws 2025
- Allergic Living: Supporting California’s ADDE Act
- SF Chronicle: California Permit Application Bill
- Wikipedia: California
- Google Search: California Restaurant Legislation
- Google Scholar: California Restaurant Permitting Laws
- Encyclopedia Britannica: California
- Google News: California Restaurants News
Author: STAFF HERE CORONADO
The Coronado Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HERECoronado.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Coronado, San Diego 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 Coronado Island Film Festival, productions at Lamb’s Players Theatre, community workshops at John D. Spreckels Center, and iconic celebrations at Hotel del Coronado. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Coronado Chamber of Commerce and Visit Coronado, plus leading businesses in hospitality, dining, and tourism that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERESanDiego.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
