L.A. City Planning Commission Approves Permanent Al Fresco Dining Program–But Not Making It Easy.

(Los Angeles, CA) — The Al Fresco dining program that was in place in Los Angeles at the height of the pandemic is closer to becoming permanent. On Thursday, the L.A. City Planning Commission approved a proposed outdoor dining ordinance. It would allow local restaurants to legally set up outdoor dining areas on private property, and relax parking requirements on private property. It would also remove restrictions related to outdoor dining on private property, like size limits and limits on where outdoor dining can be located. And, qualified businesses would be allowed to expand alcohol services into outdoor dining areas once verified.