On Nov.4, the city of San Diego will get to vote on the permanent, city-wide alcohol ban. Again … for the third time.
In 1997, a similar law was successfully overturned by San Diego voters.
In 2002, a complete beach alcohol ban was defeated by San Diego voters. In the beach communities of Ocean Beach, Pacific Beach and Mission Beach it was overwhelmingly defeated by a 2 to 1 margin.
The 2008 legislation is much worse for San Diegans than the last two:
Proposition D covers more than 2,000 acres of parkland, over 26 miles of shore line and many neighborhood parks. These parks include all parks on Crown Point, De Anza Cove, Mariners Point, Fiesta Island, even coastline parks as far north as Scripps Park in La Jolla.
It is a huge overreaction to a small stretch of sand where some problems occur.
We already have over 30 laws that punish the irresponsible. Among these laws, it is already illegal to be intoxicated in public, operate an automobile under the influence and consume alcohol as a minor. We do not need another law that only punishes the responsible families and citizens of San Diego who enjoy the privilege to choose to have a beer or not when enjoying our beautiful beaches and parks.
There are sensible alternatives to an all-or-nothing ban that Councilman Faulconer has chosen to ignore.
- Major Holiday and Overnight Alcohol Ban only.
- Year round keg ban.
- Zero Tolerance Police Enforcement of over 30 laws that prohibit illegal activities at the beach.
- Increase in alcohol-related fines and punishment at beach and bay.
- Implement the 21 recommendations of 2006-2007 Beach Alcohol Task Force.
- Establish Serial Inebriate program to help chronic offenders and homeless.
- Fund Beach Area Community Court.
- Additional restroom facilities for visitors, families and tourists.
- Modify existing laws to ban binge drinking apparatuses such as beer “bongs”, ice luges, beer-pong tables.
We urge you to join us in Voting No on Prop D on Nov. 4. For more information, please visit www.NoOnPropD to get the facts.