How the 4 A.M. Bar Bill’s Defeat Boosts Community Health: A Victory for Public Safety

Alcohol Justice and Friends Celebrate a Win Against Late-Night Drinking

On July 23, 2025, a public health victory occurred in California when Assembly Bill AB 342, which aimed to extend bar hours to 4 A.M., was halted in committee. This proposal faced significant pushback from communities and public health advocates who argued it would harm local safety and well-being.

Initially backing the bill, it passed through the State Assembly. However, it met fierce opposition at each stage. Senator Steve Padilla, who chairs the Senate Governmental Organization Committee, announced on July 8 that the bill would not be considered any further. With deadlines missed, this version of the bill appears finished for now.

Terry Cunningham, President of Alcohol Justice, commented, “Every time we see a bill that risks public safety, we come together to stop it. We worked alongside recovery groups and lawmakers to uphold science and community health.”

AB 342 ignited strong reactions from the public. Over 6,000 emails were sent to legislators in opposition. Groups like the California Alcohol Policy Alliance, comprised of more than 50 health and safety organizations, stood firm against the bill. These included local health officers and law enforcement representatives.

Rob Lipton, Research and Development Director for Alcohol Justice, asserted, “Extended bar hours lead to increased crime and injury. Supporting a few businesses shouldn’t come at such a high cost to the community.”

Research backs these claims. According to the Community Guide, guidelines from the CDC emphasize that later last calls are linked to rising traffic accidents. A study from Baltimore found that limiting alcohol service hours in troubled neighborhoods cut violent crime by 9%, homicides by 48%, and assaults by 31%.

Maryom Yisrael, COO of Alcohol Justice, warned, “California can’t afford the costs these changes would impose. We’re already experiencing budget strains in major cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles, and extending bar hours would only worsen the situation.” If just 5% of bars operated until 4 A.M., the expected financial burden could exceed $2 billion over five years, impacting vital services.

This isn’t the first time a proposal like this has failed. AB 342 is just one of six attempts in the last decade to extend bar hours. California’s two-year legislative cycle means this bill could resurface in the future, though some lawmakers may try to revive it sooner using a tactic called “gut and amend.”

Cunningham noted, “We see this flawed idea over and over. But passionate Californians always speak up, and their voices matter.” Community support was crucial in stopping this bill, highlighting the importance of democracy and public health.

As this issue unfolds, the commitment to community safety remains strong in California. Advocates are ready to act again if necessary, proving the power of collective action in shaping local laws.

For more details on the risks associated with extended bar hours, see resources from the [CDC Community Guide](https://www.thecommunityguide.org/) and learn about Alcohol Justice at [Alcohol Justice’s website](http://www.alcoholjustice.org).

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Alcohol Justice, Terry Cunningham, San Francisco, California, Rob Lipton