Business insurance — general liability (and liquor liability if serving alcohol): Los Angeles restaurant guide
Private insurer (City/landlord requirement)
What it is
Not a permit, but the City requires liability insurance naming it for any right-of-way permit (Al Fresco, Revocable Permits), landlords require general liability, and alcohol service needs liquor liability coverage.
When a restaurant needs it
Always; liquor liability when serving alcohol.
How to apply
Bind coverage through a broker before signing the lease; provide certificates to the landlord, BOE (within 6 months for Al Fresco) and any venue partners.
Documents you’ll need
- Certificate of insurance
- Additional-insured endorsements (landlord, City of Los Angeles)
Good to know
Al Fresco permits can be revoked if insurance and the notarized Waiver of Damages are not provided within 6 months.
Official source
BuildLA — Al Fresco (liability insurance requirement)
Answer a few questions about your space and get every permit in order, with a timeline, a cost range, walkthroughs, and every application filled in for you to sign with Open.
Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Guidance only, not legal advice.