Long Beach Boardwalk To Stay Dry

The Long Beach City Council voted against a measure Tuesday night that would have allowed concession stands on the boardwalk to sell alcohol.

Hundreds of people on both sides of the issue packed City Hall for the hearing, which lasted about two hours. In the end, the council voted 4-1 against the measure, citing public safety and quality of life issues among the main concerns they had, the

Long Beach Herald reported.

The concession stands on the boardwalk are owned by the city, but leased by local businesses. The measure being proposed would have allowed those businesses to apply for state liquor licenses, and then have their leases with the city amended to allow alcohol sales. Alcohol would have still be banned on the beach.

“It is a defining moment for the city and the vision we share for the boardwalk and the beach,” said new Councilwoman Chumi Diamond, according to Newsday. “The boardwalk must be protected and I vote no.”

Three of the four concession stands were seeking the change, hoping that the increased sales would help them to remain open year-round, the Herald reported.

Photo: Shinya Suzuki