Dear Friend --

Today, California Governor Gavin Newsom announced the mandatory closure of all bars in Los Angeles County in order to limit the spread of COVID-19. The governor cited the social nature of bars and the challenges of contact tracing among bar-goes, among the reasons for the action.

From the beginning of our reopening process, I’ve said that we would be led by the facts and data. I support the Governor’s decision to close bars in several counties in California, including here in L.A. County and Long Beach. This is going to be incredibly difficult for our local small business owners, but we must continue to prioritize public health and safety.

The mandatory closure goes into effect tonight, just after midnight and affects brewpubs, craft distilleries, breweries, bars, pubs and wineries that do not have a restaurant and kitchen permit.

Restaurants, brewpubs, breweries, bars, pubs, craft distilleries and wineries that have a restaurant permit may continue to operate, but the seated bar area in these facilities must remain closed and people cannot gather in the bar area.

The State has developed a monitoring list for Counties that focuses on key COVID-19 indicators such as positivity rate, case rate, stability of hospitalizations, and hospital surge capacity. Counties that do not meet the criteria are placed on the monitoring list. Those that have been on the list for over 14 days are required to close bars.

Mandatory bar closures affect the following counties:

• Fresno
• Imperial
• Kern
• Kings
• Los Angeles
• San Joaquin
• Tulare

Under the State guidelines for the reopening process, Long Beach, which has its own Health Department, is counted with Los Angeles County. However, even if the State considered Long Beach separately, Long Beach data would also place it on this mandated closure list.

Even if judged as our own city and jurisdiction we do not meet the state requirements to keep bars open. Please wear a mask or face covering and let’s stay safe.

Businesses with questions regarding this mandatory closure may call the City of Long Beach’s business information line between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays at 562.570.4BIZ.

Thank you,