Republican California gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton is proposing the creation of an “Office of Fun and Freedom,” a rapid-action team within the governor’s office that would focus on reducing bureaucratic obstacles affecting live entertainment, nightlife and community events. The proposal is designed to make it easier for residents, businesses and event organizers to host activities ranging from concerts and block parties to food pop-ups and gatherings at small venues. Hilton, a British-born entrepreneur and former television host who has received an endorsement from President Donald Trump, is presenting the initiative as part of a broader effort to restore what he describes as California’s “rebel spirit.”
According to Hilton’s policy proposal, the new office would focus on identifying regulations and permitting requirements that make it unnecessarily difficult or expensive to organize events. The proposal argues that California has many of the natural and cultural advantages needed to be one of the most enjoyable places in the country, including its beaches, mountains, parks, food, music and diverse communities. Hilton’s campaign contends that excessive bureaucracy can prevent people from taking advantage of those opportunities. The proposed office would therefore operate as a central team within the governor’s office, with its success measured by the number of unnecessary permits eliminated, the amount of time and money saved and the number of venues and events helped by the changes.
One of Hilton’s main proposals is to conduct a comprehensive review of rules affecting community events, live entertainment, nightlife, food pop-ups and public spaces during his first 100 days in office. The review would identify regulations that could be changed and would lead to recommendations for the California Legislature. Hilton is also proposing the creation of a single online system where event organizers could handle state permit applications rather than navigating multiple processes. Certain applications would have fixed response deadlines, and Hilton wants some permits to receive automatic approval if government agencies fail to respond within the required period.
The candidate has also proposed several changes specifically aimed at nightlife and hospitality businesses. His plan would allow local communities to approve alcohol sales at selected venues until as late as 4 a.m., while current California law generally prohibits alcohol sales between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. Hilton also wants bars and restaurants to be permitted to offer complimentary drinks or two-for-one promotions. Another proposal would create a single permit for small venues that want to host live bands, dancing or both, potentially simplifying the process for independent entertainment spaces that currently face multiple regulatory requirements.
Hilton’s vision extends beyond nightlife. He wants to make it easier for communities to organize block parties, food pop-ups, beer gardens and weddings, among other events. He has also proposed allowing dogs on more state beaches and increasing the number of fire rings and designated cooking areas available at beaches. The broader goal, according to the proposal, is to reduce what Hilton considers unnecessary red tape while giving communities and small businesses greater freedom to organize activities and operate entertainment spaces.
The “Office of Fun and Freedom” follows another major entertainment-related proposal from Hilton involving California’s film and television industry. He has called for an expanded state film and television tax-credit program that could provide incentives of as much as 60 percent for certain productions. Hilton has also proposed making the film and television tax credit uncapped. Such changes would require legislative support, particularly because California lawmakers only recently agreed to expand the state’s existing production incentives to $750 million after negotiations over how aggressively the state should compete for entertainment projects.
Hilton’s Democratic opponent in the gubernatorial race, former California attorney general and former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra, has taken a different approach to the entertainment tax-credit issue. Becerra has not proposed an uncapped credit or a specific incentive percentage. Instead, he has called for the percentage to increase depending on where California is losing production work and has said he would pursue greater transparency from streaming companies concerning workers involved in their projects.
Hilton’s latest proposal adds a distinctive cultural and lifestyle element to his campaign platform, linking deregulation with entertainment, nightlife and community activities. If implemented, many of the proposed changes would require cooperation from state lawmakers and, depending on the issue, local governments. The plan ultimately presents Hilton’s argument that reducing permitting requirements and regulatory barriers could make it easier for Californians to host events, operate venues and participate in a wider range of recreational and entertainment activities.
