L.A. Now Live: Should bars be allowed to sell alcohol until 4 a.m.?

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A state lawmaker has proposed that some California cities be allowed to serve alcohol until 4 a.m., putting them in line with other tourist spots like Las Vegas and New York City.

The bill, proposed by state Sen. Mark Leno (D-San Francisco) would give tourist destinations like Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego an exception to state laws prohibiting alcohol sales after 2 a.m.

Times reporter Patrick McGreevy reported on the proposed bill and will join L.A. Now Live at 9:10 a.m. Monday.

Currently, the state allows the sale of alcohol from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. for bars, nightclubs and restaurants. Leno’s bill would let cities get permission from the state Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control to allow their nightspots to extend their hours for serving alcohol.

Leno said the change could mean a boost to the California economy. He cited a study by the market research firm Technomic Inc. that found the top 100 grossing social and night life venues in the country generated $1.5 billion last year and 15 of them were in the Los Angeles area.

But all of the top 10 venues are in cities that have extended hours, including Las Vegas, New York and Miami, the firm found.

Not everyone is sold on the idea.

Leno’s proposal is ‘terrible,’’ said Alan Dymond, president of the Studio City Residents Assn. Dymond said many clubs and restaurants along Ventura Boulevard back up to homes affected by noise and traffic at closing time.

‘For our members, that extension of hours would just increase the aggravation,’’ Dymond said.

Senate Republican leader Robert Huff of Diamond Bar said Leno’s proposal raises a lot of questions, including its effect on drunk driving rates, and needs more study.

Do you think it’s a good idea to permit alcohol sales for an additional two hours? Do you think it would bring more tourists to L.A.? Let us know in the comments below, by tweeting @LANow or on our Local Facebook page.

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