The COVID-19 Temporary Catering Authorization (TCA)—a new agency by the ABC—will authorize restaurants and bars that are licensed with the ABC to make use of outdoor areas for customers to consume food and alcohol “that is adjacent to the licensed premises, that is under the control of the licensee, and where bona fide meals are being served,” the document states.
Adjacent areas under the control of the licensee include, but are not limited to:
- Indoor areas that are accessible from within the licensed premises but not currently licensed;
- Outdoor areas that are accessible from the licensed premises but not currently licensed;
- Indoor and outdoor areas under the control of the licensee and one or more other businesses;
- Parking lots;
- Sidewalks and other public thoroughfares that are closed to public access during the period of service;
- Other areas within close proximity to the licensed premises that are immediately accessible to the licensee, and that are secured by and under the control of the licensee, at the discretion of the Department.
This will only apply to counties in the state where temporary stay at home orders have been lifted. You will need to check whether it applies online at California’s COVID-19 Response website. Additionally, there is a list of requirements that must be met before receiving authorization, and TCA will be removed as soon as COVID-19 measures are lifted
According to governor Gavin Newsom’s updates, at least 53 counties could be reopening within the next month. But this may not include Los Angeles County.