Changes to alcohol rules in next stage of re-opening

The City of Palm Springs has announced that once the next stage of California's phase 2 is in place, there will be some changes to restrictions on how restaurants are allowed to serve alcohol.

Restaurants with the proper license will be able to serve alcoholic beverages at indoor common areas and outdoor areas such as sidewalks, streets and parking lots. Those areas were previously not allowed to have alcohol served.

Any restaurant that has an Alcohol and Beverage Control license can apply for a temporary COVID-19 Catering Authorization that will allow sale and consumption of alcohol on areas adjacent to their property. This will be limited to the times that meals are also being served. This temporary permit will cost $100.

Mayor Geoff Kors said that “this is fantastic news for our local economy in Palm Springs and the entire state of California."

“This is smart policy as it will allow restaurants to safely increase capacity while providing the social distancing required under State law. We are thrilled Governor Newsom and ABC officials are working with local businesses and cities throughout the state, who have weathered severe loss of revenue since the COVID-19 outbreak and are in desperate need of economic relief,” Kors explained that “we have already started mapping out areas where we could close streets and portions of parking lots in Palm Springs for our local restaurants.”

The Palm Springs City Council will provide more information at the May 21st Council meeting.