California, August 19, 2025
News Summary
California is introducing AB 671 to simplify the restaurant permitting process, allowing restaurant owners to open within 20 business days. Supported by DoorDash, this legislation addresses the lengthy permitting timeline that has hindered job creation and increased operational costs in the state’s crucial restaurant sector. The goal is to enhance local economies and aid business owners in efficiently serving customers while creating more job opportunities.
California is taking steps to simplify the process of opening and managing restaurants across the state. DoorDash is actively supporting new legislation known as AB 671, which aims to streamline the permitting process for restaurant owners. This legislation is critical as local restaurants play a vital role in California’s economy, employing one in ten workers and generating over $220 billion annually in sales.
Recent statistics indicate a troubling trend in the restaurant industry within California. Since 2019, the state has experienced a decline in restaurant employment, making it one of the most challenging states in the nation to open a restaurant due to its complex and burdensome regulations. Lengthy permitting processes not only elevate costs but also inhibit job creation in this crucial sector.
The newly introduced AB 671, brought forward by Assemblymember Buffy Wicks, seeks to address these challenges by significantly improving the permitting timeline for restaurants. Under the proposed legislation, restaurants would be allowed to open their doors within 20 business days following the submission of their applications. This change would also help existing restaurants implement operational improvements without facing extensive permit delays.
One of the key provisions of AB 671 mandates that local health and building departments must act promptly on permit applications. Specifically, the bill requires responses to be issued within 20 business days for permits and 10 business days for feedback on denied applications. Streamlining these timelines will be essential for reducing downtime and compliance costs, which are significant hurdles for small businesses. Ensuring that these businesses can remain operational will help sustain employment for restaurant staff.
DoorDash is committed to uplifting local economies and promoting reasonable reforms that support restaurant entrepreneurs. The company has rallied merchants across California to back AB 671 and has formed partnerships with industry leaders to advocate for its implementation. Through these efforts, DoorDash aims to play a significant role in revitalizing the state’s restaurant sector, making sure California continues to be an appealing location for new restaurant businesses.
In addition to DoorDash’s advocacy, local business owners have also shared concerns regarding the financial strain caused by prolonged permit processes. Many restaurant owners advocate for expedited permit access to ensure they can serve customers effectively and efficiently. The pressing need for reforms has become increasingly clear in light of the challenges posed by existing regulations.
AB 671 is poised to bring about necessary changes to the restaurant permitting landscape in California. As the legislative process unfolds, the hope is that these reforms will not only simplify procedures but will also provide significant economic benefits to local communities and support job growth throughout the state.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is AB 671?
AB 671 is a proposed piece of legislation in California aimed at streamlining the restaurant permitting process. It seeks to reduce the timeframe for restaurants to receive permits, enabling faster openings and operational improvements.
Why is AB 671 important?
The legislation is crucial because local restaurants are essential to California’s economy, and the current lengthy permitting processes hinder job creation and increase operational costs.
How does AB 671 affect restaurant owners?
If passed, AB 671 will allow restaurant owners to open their establishments within 20 business days after application submission, reducing delays and associated costs significantly.
What is the role of DoorDash in this legislation?
DoorDash is advocating for AB 671 by rallying support from merchants and partnering with industry leaders. The company aims to drive reform that will benefit restaurant businesses and enhance local economies.
What are the expected outcomes if AB 671 passes?
The expected outcomes include faster permit approvals, reduced compliance costs, and overall support for job creation within the restaurant industry in California.
Key Features of AB 671
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Streamlining Permits | Allows restaurants to open within 20 business days after application submission. |
| Operational Improvements | Facilitates existing restaurants in making improvements without significant delays. |
| Response Timelines | Mandates local health and building departments to respond within specified timeframes—20 days for permits, 10 days for responses regarding denied permits. |
| Support for Small Businesses | Aims to reduce downtime and compliance costs essential for small business success. |
| Economy Impact | Enhances job creation and maintains California’s attractiveness for restaurant businesses. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- DoorDash News: Smart Reforms Help CA Restaurants
- Eater: New 2025 California Restaurant and Bar Laws Explained
- Nation’s Restaurant News: Restaurant Surcharges Exception to California Junk Fee Law
- San Francisco Chronicle: California Permit Application Bill
- Allergic Living: Support California’s ADDE Act for Allergy Labels
- Google Search: California Restaurant Permit AB 671
- Wikipedia: California Restaurants
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Restaurant
- Google News: California Restaurant Laws
Author: STAFF HERE MISSION VIEJO WRITER
MISSION VIEJO STAFF WRITER The MISSION VIEJO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMissionViejo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Mission Viejo, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Oso Fit 5K Fun Run and Community Health Fair, Walk Against Drugs & Community Fair, and National Night Out. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Mission Viejo Chamber of Commerce and Providence Mission Hospital Mission Viejo, plus leading businesses in retail and education that power the local economy such as The Shops at Mission Viejo, Capistrano Unified School District, and Amazon Delivery Station. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
