Fewer Outdoor Al Fresco Spaces Due to a New City Ordinance
Al fresco dining-drinking-food events and California weather are a perfect match. Who does not like enjoying the outdoors? California is ALL about outdoors! But there is trouble in paradise for some small businesses in downtown LA and South Park with the new al fresco city ordinance which goes into effect on July 31.
During COVID, al fresco was encouraged by cities across the region, in fact across the world. Rules and regulations were eased so businesses could use sidewalk space and even some street space. It worked! People loved it, continued to eat/drink during COVID in safer outdoor spaces, and now want it to stay. But we (somebody) have determined that COVID is over, and so a new al fresco city ordinance was written. A problem with the ordinance – bars and breweries were excluded. As of July 31, bars and breweries cannot use outdoor space even their own private property space. Thus, a South Park favorite – Audiograph (formerly HiDef) is precluded from using its outdoor space.
At the moment, the only solution for a bar or brewery is to become a restaurant-bar/brewery. What if a current brewery like Audiograph, who was able to have outdoor space the last few years, does not have a kitchen? Adding a kitchen is a costly endeavor. Maybe the brewery could serve charcuterie boards of cold foods? Not approved – so far. Maybe the brewery could install a pizza oven and just serve pizza? That requires professional blueprints, permits, inspections, remodeling, and cost.
So, Audiograph can take on $16,000 (estimated) in costs plus lots of time to obtain drawings, sign-offs, inspections, remodeling work, hiring, and more, to do what they have been doing the last few years. Even if the business decided to go down that road, approvals would not happen before the end of July. Of note, there have been no complaints with the city or LAPD regarding this neighborhood business.
Does this make sense? We want small businesses to be a part of South Park. Every small business in South Park I have worked with cares about our neighborhood, gives back to our neighborhood, participates in the neighborhood, makes our neighborhood a better place. Our small businesses do not have deep investor pockets, lawyers on retainer or in-house legal counsel, but they do have their livelihood tied up in one business. Why does the city make it difficult for them to survive? Why?
Small businesses bring in revenue, add to the tax base, make for an exciting area for residents and tourists, and support the neighborhood and the residents who live there. They add to what makes a great place to live. SPNA hosted neighborhood events since our existence at Audiograph – Neighborhood Night Out the last two years, December Holiday Ugly Sweater event, the Apres Ski Winter event, a beer and cheese pairing, and more committee meetings than I can count and all at no cost to us for the space.
For the love of the outdoors, I am hoping someone reading this can help with this problem. Monthly meetings with the city of LA on this issue have yielded no results. We must support and help our small businesses. They are our neighbors!!! Neighbors support neighbors!
Show your support by writing the mayor and our city council member’s office by asking them to amend the ordinance so that existing al fresco businesses can apply to continue al fresco dining. Cristina Ward, one of the Audiograph owners, has provided a sample letter below for you to use, if desired.
P.S. – I am hearing about other problems South Park small businesses have encountered getting started or once open. Please share your experiences with me – spnadtla@gmail.com.
By Debra Shrout
To Mayor Karen Bass
mayor.lacity.gov
To Councilmember CD 14 Kevin de Leon
As a member of the DTLA community, I’m writing to express my strong support for maintaining al fresco dining at AudioGraph Beer Co. As valued members of our neighborhood, AudioGraph Beer Co. has not only enriched our community with its exceptional craft beers but has also provided a welcoming space for residents and visitors to gather and connect.
The introduction of al fresco dining at AudioGraph Beer Co. been a tremendous asset to our neighborhood, offering patrons a safe and enjoyable outdoor experience amid the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The vibrant atmosphere of the outdoor seating area has added to the charm and liveliness of our community, creating a destination for friends and families to come together and enjoy quality time in an outdoor setting.
We recognize the efforts made by AudioGraph Beer Co. to comply with safety regulations and ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience for patrons. The addition of al fresco dining has not only supported the sustainability of the brewery but has also contributed to the economic vitality of our neighborhood, attracting customers and generating revenue for local businesses.
As residents of DTLA, I believe that maintaining al fresco dining at AudioGraph Beer Co. is essential for the continued prosperity and vibrancy of our community. We urge you to support AudioGraph Beer Co. in their efforts to retain their space and to explore opportunities to streamline the permitting process and provide necessary assistance to ensure their continued success.
Thank you for your attention to this matter, and we hope that you will consider our voices as you make decisions regarding al fresco dining in our neighborhood.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Additional Signatures of Supporting Residents]