Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass on Tuesday, June 18, 2025, announced the lifting of a curfew that had been in effect for downtown areas since the previous week. The measure, initially imposed on June 10, was enacted to mitigate potential vandalism and break-ins during nighttime protests prompted by President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown. These demonstrations had primarily concentrated near federal and local government buildings located downtown.
Curfew Implementation and Adjustment
The curfew was first established with an 8 p.m. start time each night. However, following a noticeable decrease in arrests related to the protests and potential criminal activity, the enforcement period was later adjusted. On Monday, the curfew was trimmed, with the start time pushed back to 10 p.m. This modification signaled a reduction in the perceived threat level downtown and offered a slight reprieve to businesses operating in the evening hours before the full lifting of the restriction.
Impact on Local Economy
The imposition of the curfew had a significant negative impact on downtown businesses, particularly those within the vibrant Historic Core, known for its array of bars and nightclubs. These establishments rely heavily on nighttime foot traffic and operations.
Specific business owners shared accounts of the challenges they faced during the period the curfew was active. Don Tahara, the owner of Far Bar, reported instances of vandalism and break-ins affecting his property. Beyond physical damage, Tahara also highlighted the economic toll, including numerous reservation cancellations and substantial lost employee hours resulting from the disrupted operations.
Vincent Vong, owner of Rhythm Room, provided a stark estimate of the financial fallout. Vong indicated that his business suffered losses in the tens of thousands of dollars as a direct consequence of being forced to close for an entire week due to the curfew restrictions.
Broader Challenges Facing Businesses
The challenges posed by the curfew add to an already difficult operating climate for businesses in downtown Los Angeles. Operators in the area are contending with multiple external pressures. These include the recent impacts of LA wildfires, which can affect tourism and local sentiment, as well as tariff-induced price increases on goods and other various escalating operational costs. The curfew’s effect on disrupting normal business hours and deterring customers compounded these existing difficulties, making the path to recovery more challenging for many establishments.
With the lifting of the curfew, downtown Los Angeles businesses are now looking to resume normal operations and recover from the financial losses incurred during the restrictive period, navigating the complex economic landscape shaped by various local and national factors.
