Victory for Public Health: 4 A.M. Bar Bill Defeated—Thanks to Community Power

In a major win for California’s communities, youth, and families, Assembly Bill 342—the controversial “4 A.M. Bar Bill”—was officially stopped in committee this July. This dangerous legislation would have allowed jurisdictions across the state to extend last call to 4 a.m. on weekends, disregarding the overwhelming evidence linking extended alcohol hours to increases in crime, injury, impaired driving, and emergency system overloads.

The defeat of AB 342 was not a coincidence—it was a direct result of coordinated advocacy by grassroots leaders, public health professionals, and community-based organizations across the state. Among those leading the charge was Pueblo y Salud and our network of coalitions, including Rethinking Access to Marijuana (RAM), San Fernando Valley Partnership, and our partners across the California Alcohol Policy Alliance (CAPA).

Our Role in the Fight Against AB 342

From day one, Pueblo y Salud recognized AB 342 for what it was: a corporate-driven bill that prioritized nightlife profits over public health and community safety. Working with CAPA and Alcohol Justice, we mobilized our communities across Los Angeles County and beyond to oppose this bill at every stage.

Together, we:

• Engaged residents, coalition members, and youth leaders to submit public comments and call their legislators.

• Hosted educational sessions to raise awareness of the hidden harms behind this bill.

• Participated in advocacy calls and strategic coalition meetings to unify statewide efforts.

• Shared data and testimonies from families and service providers impacted by alcohol-related harm in our neighborhoods.

In total, over 6,000 emails were sent to legislators through Alcohol Justice’s call to action tool, and Pueblo y Salud was proud to have amplified this outreach through our own networks.

This was a clear example of the power of community voices and the effectiveness of culturally-rooted, coalition-led prevention work.

Why This Victory Matters

Research tells us that extending last call by even two hours significantly increases the risk of violent crime, drunk driving, and strain on emergency services. A 2024 study in Baltimore showed that restricting alcohol hours led to a 48% decrease in homicides and a 31% drop in assaults. Imagine the opposite effect happening across our California cities.

Worse yet, the economic burden of these harms could have cost the state over $2 billion in just five years, while public budgets are already being slashed. The communities we serve—low-income, immigrant, and youth-heavy neighborhoods—would have borne the brunt of these consequences.

This wasn’t just a legislative battle—it was a fight for the safety, well-being, and future of our communities.

Stay Vigilant, Stay Involved

While we celebrate this victory, we know that harmful legislation like AB 342 often reappears, sometimes disguised under new bill numbers or rushed through last-minute “gut-and-amend” tactics.

That’s why we need YOU.

📣 Join us at Pueblo y Salud and our coalition efforts to protect youth and families from substance-related harm. Whether you're a parent, a student, a teacher, a business owner, or a concerned resident—your voice matters.

➡️ Sign up to receive action alerts.➡️ Attend a coalition meeting in your area.➡️ Volunteer for public education events or community campaigns.➡️ Follow us on social media and share our content to spread awareness.

Together, we stopped AB 342. Together, we can build a healthier, safer future for all Californians.

For more information or to get involved, visit www.pys.org or email us at info@pys.org.

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