Downtown L.A. Bars and Restaurants Struggle Amid Curfew and Protests

An empty street in downtown Los Angeles, illustrating the impact of curfews and protests on local nightlife.

News Summary

Downtown Los Angeles bars and restaurants are suffering significant losses amidst protests and an imposed 8 p.m. curfew. The Mermaid bar in Little Tokyo, significantly impacted by these changes, has seen a sharp decline in profits and a need to adjust operating hours. With ongoing safety concerns and a drop in customer reservations, other establishments like Sampa and Badmaash are also facing tough decisions. As the local community braces for uncertainty, these businesses strive to adapt and support patrons during these challenging times.

Downtown L.A. Bars and Restaurants Hit Hard by Curfew and Protests

The charm of downtown L.A. dining and nightlife is fading as local bars and restaurants grapple with the fallout from recent protests and a newly imposed 8 p.m. curfew. One prominent casualty of this situation is the Mermaid, a beloved aquatic-themed bar in Little Tokyo that has seen profits vanish since the unrest began.

With curfews limiting hours and raising concerns about safety, many establishments are feeling the pinch. Co-owner Arlene Roldan expresses a sense of loss, saying the impact on their business will be significant. Little Tokyo is a hot spot for community activism, and with protests boiling over, Roldan’s bar temporarily closed its doors over the weekend, opting out of a Sunday night opening to safeguard staff and patrons.

The Unrest Unfolds

The situation escalated when federal authorities charged at least 14 individuals tied to the protests, leaving many businesses in the area on high alert. People’s safety marches escalated just blocks from the Mermaid, forcing the bar to close again after only an hour of reopening on Monday. LAPD closed surrounding streets, hampering access to the location, a short distance from the Metropolitan Detention Center.

The tension in the air was palpable, and as rumors spread about a potential citywide curfew, Roldan advised her staff to stay home for their safety. Shortly after the advisory, a curfew was issued by the mayor, leaving the Mermaid shuttered until further notice.

Adapting to Change

Despite the challenges, the Mermaid is doing its best to adapt. The team is attempting to lure in a daytime crowd with new hours, hoping to serve customers from noon to 7 p.m. Roldan herself has jumped behind the bar to lend a helping hand, showing her dedication to keeping her employees on the payroll during these strange and testing times.

Many businesses in Little Tokyo are following suit. Nearby restaurant Sampa is also recalibrating its hours to adjust to the curfew after witnessing a stark 50% drop in reservations as diners express concerns over safety. Most of Sampa’s earnings usually come from busy evening hours between 6 and 10 p.m., raising red flags about the restaurant’s sustainability under the current conditions.

Badmaash, another local eatery, announced its closure due to the ongoing street closures, advising guests to explore other dining options during this tumultuous period. Meanwhile, Camélia, a French-Japanese bistro, is reemerging with new operating hours and happy hour specials to entice a devoted lunchtime crowd. Yet, even Camélia reported a 40% decline in revenue last weekend, which has worsened to a staggering 60% as the week progresses.

Wider Implications

The challenges facing the restaurant industry in downtown L.A. are quite significant. The impacts of inflation, rising wages, and changes in legislation have already placed immense pressure on business owners. Many eateries that bravely navigated the pandemic’s challenges are now struggling with deducting expenses through this ongoing unrest and curfew.

As businesses board up their windows and brace for further unrest, the atmosphere in downtown L.A. remains fraught with uncertainty. Bars and restaurants confirmed changes in schedules or temporary closures as they face this uphill battle. The local community is feeling the effects too as the economic fallout of this crisis begins to ripple through everyday life, bringing a somber mood to an area once overflowing with lively gatherings and socializing.

In the meantime, the Mermaid is trying to find its footing and remain a pillar of support for those feeling the stress of these turbulent times, offering free drinks to patrons affected by the unrest outside. The heartbeats of these establishments are resilient, and as they navigate through dark waters, they continue to seek out ways to provide hope and camaraderie in a challenging environment.