HomeMy WebLinkAboutSB 623 LTR to Wright 20130423D!� t Y off.
city of �QoosAntuis oBisiv
OFFICE OF THE CITY COUNCIL
4 i g O 990 Palm Street ■ San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3249 ■ 805/781-7119
April 23, 2013
VIA FACSIMILE ONLY 916-445-5258
Senator Roderick D. Wright, Chair
Senate Committee on Governmental Organization
1020 N Street, Rm. 584
Sacramento, CA 95814
Re: SB 635 (Leno) Alcoholic Beverages: Hours Of Sale
NOTICE OF OPPOSITION
Dear Chairman Wright:
I am writing on behalf of the City of San Luis Obispo to express concern about the policy
implications and public health and safety costs to the state, county and local governments associated
with extending hours of alcohol sales from 2:00 a.m. to 4:00 a.m.
Many individuals die annually from alcohol related, preventable harm. Alcohol -related
incidents are costly statewide; this includes alcohol -related cost of crime, injuries, traffic accidents,
and illnesses that currently plague California with existing closing hours for alcohol sales of 2:00
a.m. Adding more hours of alcohol consumption will only increase those problems and costs.
Local entities do not have the law enforcement capacity to deal with bars and restaurants
from 2:00 a.m. through 4:00 a.m. and the public nuisance after 4:00 a.m. There is little to no public
transportation available in most cities at 4:00 a.m., meaning that this legislation could directly
contribute to more drunk driving and preventable traffic collisions, injury and death — and burden on
emergency rooms. Time and time again, the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control
has noted diminished enforcement capacity, allowing them to attempt to address only the most
serious offenses. Thus, the burden will fall once again to local police, fire, emergency response, and
neighborhood residents to deal with the fallout of public health and safety problems that two more
hours of alcohol consumption will produce.
Cities statewide are trying to promote healthy lifestyles and housing near transportation hubs.
This legislation moves entirely the other direction in public policy, promoting more alcohol drinking,
promoting less sleep, and promoting noise, nuisance and safety concerns near downtown
development. For these reasons the City of San Luis Obispo opposes SB 635.
Sincerely,
n Marx
Mayor
Cc: Senator Bill Monning, fax 916-445-8081
City Council
City Manager
Police Chief
David Mullinax, League of CA Cities