California lawmakers have tried repeatedly but failed to extend the state's last call law to allow restaurants to serve alcohol after 2 a.m., which they say would be a boon to the local economy.
The state Senate quietly approved it this week. invoice This could eventually result in a change in time restrictions, but only for a very select group of people: VIP suite holders at the new Intuit Dome stadium in Inglewood.
The bill, which was approved with little debate by the Senate on Tuesday and now heads to the House, would allow alcohol to be served until 4 a.m. to dues-paying members of private suites inside the Intuit Dome, the $2 billion, 17,700-seat new home of the Los Angeles Clippers, which had its grand opening this month.
This futuristic and eye-catching indoor arena, which will also serve as a concert venue, was funded by Steve Ballmer, former CEO of Microsoft and owner of NBA team the Clippers. One of the richest people in the world.
Ballmer's company, Murphy's Bowl, is a sponsor of AB 3206 and is urging the state Legislature to pass the bill to boost a unique Los Angeles community that draws hundreds of thousands of sports fans each year.
However, the law has been criticized as an unjustified abuse of financial and political power.
“This bill illustrates the disproportionate influence that wealthy individuals and corporations have over the legislative process,” said Sean McMorris, director of transparency and ethics at California Common Cause, a nonpartisan government accountability group. “This is really a niche bill that benefits one billionaire and maybe the wealthiest 1 percent, giving them something that others aren't allowed. It sets a bad precedent and sends a message that money is power, even in government.”
Representatives for Intuit Dome and Ballmer did not respond to requests for comment.
The law only applies to members of the Intuit Dome's private luxury suites, which have a maximum capacity of 100 people. A suite to watch the Clippers play the Phoenix Suns in October will reportedly cost $10,769. Posts The event is hosted by Suite Experience Group, whose members are renting out the space to the public, and the offer includes 17 tickets to the game, a balcony view and access to the VIP bar.
Rep. Tina McKinner (D-Hawthorne), who authored the bill, said that while the bill is “limited in scope,” the city of Inglewood needs it to remain “competitive.” The city is also home to arenas like the Forum and SoFi Stadium, which have special entertainment needs and are hampered by state laws restricting alcohol sales because they affect attendance, McKinner said.
Other venues, such as SoFi Stadium, are only allowing guests to stay in any of their rooms, including suites and clubs, for an hour after the event ends. Alcohol Beverage Control regulations prohibit the sale of alcohol during the third quarter of NFL games and 30 minutes before concerts.
The bill, which is supported by the city of Inglewood, would only apply through 2030. City leaders said the provision reflects a “serious commitment” to ongoing evaluation of the policy. McKinner said the city's approval is part of “numerous safeguards” to protect public health and safety.
“Inglewood's revitalization is well underway, and I'm grateful to my colleagues in the State Senate and State Assembly for their support of the incredible growth occurring in the Champion City,” McKinner said in an email Wednesday.
But the bill doesn't have broad support from California's Democratic supermajority. The bill passed the Senate 21-14, the minimum number of votes needed to pass. Five senators, including Sens. Steve Glazer (D-Orinda) and Monique Limon (D-Goleta), abstained from voting for the bill.
Sen. Katherine Breakspear (D-Encinitas), one of the lawmakers who voted against the bill, said she supports the state's current law banning the late serving of alcohol for public safety reasons.
“I don't believe that making an exception for this area when all restaurants, bars, taverns and nightclubs must close at 2 a.m. would promote the public welfare,” she said.
Sen. Kelly Seyart (R-Murrietta) criticized the bill as being geared toward “exclusive clubs” and said allowing people to drink until 4 a.m. and then “letting them loose” on the streets of Inglewood “is the last thing the city needs.”
It's illegal in California to serve alcohol between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m., and bartenders can be charged with a misdemeanor if they do. Lawmakers have tried in the past to extend the state's last-call limit, although states like New York allow alcohol to be served until 4 a.m., without success.
A bill introduced in 2022 by Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) narrowed the proposal to only include bars and nightclubs in West Hollywood, San Francisco and Palm Springs, but it also died before reaching the governor's desk.
Opponents of the Intuit Dome bill, including the California Alcohol Policy Alliance, say the bill will lead to more dangerous drunk driving.
Ballmer, who bought the Forum for $400 million in 2020 after a bitter legal battle with previous owner Madison Square Garden Co., has used his wealth to influence legislation before.
Murphy's Bowl will be pushing state lawmakers and Gov. Gavin Newsom's office to pass AB 3206 and other legislation during the 2023-24 legislative session. It will be easier for alcoholic beverage companies to advertise. Intuit Dome and Allow face scanning technology It eases the burden on bartenders by ensuring drinkers are over 21.
Ballmer and his affiliates have also funded the campaigns of both Republicans and Democrats in the state legislature, including state Rep. Brian Dahl (R-Beaver County), who ran against Newsom for governor in 2022, and Democratic Rep. Sidney Kamlager Dove, who left her state senate seat to run for Congress.
Joe Lang, a lobbyist for Murphy's Bowl and the Los Angeles Clippers, told lawmakers in the spring that the bill was an “experiment” and a promotional tool to help bring in revenue.
“We think this is a good, limited way to look at the issue,” Lang said.
