The City of Los Angeles has launched an “L.A. Al Fresco” Program aimed at helping restaurants reopen while following COVID-19 physical distancing guidelines. 

The program will allow restaurants to use their sidewalk and private parking lots spaces to increase their outdoor dining capacity.  Through the program, the City will offer streamlined, immediate approval for eligible restaurants to provide outdoor dining in sidewalks and private parking lots.  The approval will also allow restaurants to serve alcohol in these areas.

L.A. Al Fresco was launched on May 29, 2020 and the program will accept applications for the duration of the Mayor’s Safer at Home order.  Temporary allowances will be valid for 90 days, expiring on September 1, 2020.  After September 1, restaurants may re-apply for a new temporary allowance.

The City may consider expanding the program to include street closures and street parking spaces.  The City has asked restaurants and business lobbying groups to submit expressions of interest regarding expanding the program.

More information about the program is available here: https://corona-virus.la/laalfresco.