California Senator Proposes 4 A.M. Last Call for Alcohol

Last call at California restaurants, bars and nightclubs could come later under legislation proposed by a state senator from San Francisco.

Sen. Mark Leno’s bill would allow cities and counties to petition state alcohol regulators to allow alcohol service until 4 a.m., two hours later than current regulations.

Leno, a Democrat, tells the San Francisco Chronicle his bill would make California cities more competitive as tourist destinations with cities that allow alcohol service past 2 a.m.

Leno says he expects opposition based on public safety concerns, but he has not seen evidence that later alcohol service leads to increased alcohol-related traffic deaths.