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California allows bars to serve drinks outside

The Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control in California has unveiled new relief measures for bars and restaurants, allowing them to serve alcohol on adjacent car parks and pavements.

The new measures will allow bars and restaurants to serve drinks on pavements

Lawmakers in California had previously announced measures allowing licensed venues in the state to offer to-go sales, drive-thru services and at-home delivery.

The Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control’s latest measures will now allow on-trade outlets to serve alcoholic drinks to patrons “on property that is adjacent to the licensed premises”.

The temporary catering authorisation is limited to the “service of alcoholic beverages during times in which bona fide meals are being served” and covers areas adjacent to venues that comply with public health, safety, or welfare requirements.

Areas covered under the new legislation include indoor areas that are accessible from within the licensed premises, outdoor areas accessible from the premises, indoor and outdoor areas under the control of the licensee, car parks, pavements closed to public access during the hours of service and “other areas within close proximity to the licensed premises”.

The temporary catering authorisation is designed to support the alcohol industry in California as it makes steps to reopen while implementing physical distancing regulations.

Stay-home orders and lockdowns were implemented across America to help stem the spread of Covid-19. States across the US have now begun easing lockdown restrictions following the coronavirus pandemic and some are now allowing restaurants and other food service businesses to open their doors.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently issued guidance for bars preparing to reopen as coronavirus lockdown restrictions ease across the US.

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