California's last call is 2 a.m., but Gov. Gavin Newsom on Sunday announced the public drinking hours for a select few, including VIP suite owners at the new Intuit Dome Arena in Inglewood. Signed the bill to extend it.
The law allows alcohol to be served until 4 a.m. to paying members in private suites inside the Los Angeles Clippers' new $2 billion, 17,700-seat home.
Lawmakers have repeatedly failed to expand California's last call law statewide and allow states like New York to serve alcohol until 4 a.m. Supporters of later last call times say it will benefit the local economy, while opponents say it could lead to more drunk driving and late-night disruptions.
Newsom's approval of the bill comes after criticism that the narrow exemption is unfair because it only applies to members of the Intuit Dome's private luxury suites and does not benefit other sectors. .
One such suite was reportedly offered to rent for $10,769 for the Clippers-Phoenix Suns game in October. Post By Sweet Experience Group. The offer included 17 tickets to the match, a balcony view and access to the VIP bar.
The Intuit Dome, which also serves as a concert venue, was financed by Steve Ballmer, former CEO of Microsoft and owner of the Clippers NBA team. Among the richest people in the world.
Ballmer's company, Murphy's Bowl, is a sponsor of the bill, saying it is needed to boost Los Angeles' unique community, which draws hundreds of thousands of sports fans each year.
The bill's author, Rep. Tina McKinner (D-Hawthorne), said the bill will aid Inglewood's “renaissance” and that the city is unique in terms of entertainment tourism.
“AB 3206 is limited in scope and includes numerous safeguards to protect public health and safety, including approval by the Inglewood City Council and $2 billion for the recently opened Intuit Dome in Inglewood. “It will provide new entertainment options to complement the private investment that exceeds 1,000 yen,” she said. In a statement.
But the bill did not receive broad support from the Democratic supermajority in Congress, and California Common Cause, a nonpartisan government accountability group, said the bill sends a message that money influences government decisions. He said it would set a bad precedent and nods to Ballmer's wealth.
“This bill exemplifies the disproportionate influence that wealthy individuals and corporations have over the legislative process,” said Sean McMorris, a transparency and ethics expert at California Common Cause. said.
