For Immediate Release November 27, 2012

Contact: Matt Awbrey (619) 929-0089 Communications Director

Permanent Red Tape Relief on the Menu for San Diego Restaurants
After 1-year trial, Council permanently OKs Restaurant Relief measure
SAN DIEGO --- Today the San Diego City Council voted to permanently eliminate a burdensome regulation that stood in the way of San Diego employment and family-friendly entertainment. The Restaurant Relief ordinance aids family restaurants by rolling back requirements for costly entertainment permits. City regulations had been making it difficult and expensive for restaurants to offer live entertainment a key factor in attracting customers and strengthening local business. The Council approved a one-year trial for the exemption in November 2011. The red tape would have returned March 31, 2013, if the Council had not taken action. City Council President Pro Tem Kevin L. Faulconer, who partnered with the San Diego Police Department and restaurants to craft the new fair and cost neutral rules, proposed the legislation last year. Today, Faulconer lauded his Council colleagues for making Restaurant Relief permanent. Im very proud the City Council approved my proposal to keep City Hall out of the kitchen and let restaurants serve and entertain their customers, said Faulconer. After a one-year trial period, the Police Department and restaurant owners agreed that Restaurant Relief has been successful and recommended it become permanent. This ordinance will continue to save businesses money and let the Police Department focus on important public safety needs. A burdensome rule had required family restaurants that wanted to feature amplified music such as a singer or guitarist to abide by the same strict regulations as nightclubs and bars. Restaurant Reliefs simple exemption can save a small business thousands of dollars per year, creating a positive impact on its bottom line and facilitating job creation. Without the relief package, fees would range from $1,500 to nearly $4,000 depending on an establishments maximum occupancy. The ordinance can also help support San Diegos tax base. Restaurants have been a top sales tax generator for the City in recent years. In todays slow economy, restaurateurs continuously search for ways to reduce costs, stated Mike Morton, Jr., President of the San Diego Chapter of the California Restaurant Association.

This new policy will greatly benefit restaurants that have struggled during this economic downturn and allow them to focus on whats important; job creation and opportunities for growth. The City and our local businesses need to examine the layers of regulations together to figure out what works, what doesnt, and what we could do better, said Councilmember Lorie Zapf. That is exactly what has happened today. When San Diegos small businesses thrive, so do our neighborhoods. As the Councilmember representing about one third of the Citys 3,200 restaurants, I am keenly aware of the economic impact they have and the character they contribute to our neighborhoods, said Councilmember Todd Gloria. The common sense action we took today will benefit our City and our citizens. The City Council voted to permanently eliminate the entertainment permit requirement for bona fide restaurants that meet the following criteria: o o o o No admission charge No drink minimum No customer dancing Closed between 11:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. ###