Will Permanent Alcohol Ban for San Diego Beaches Increase DUI Arrests?
In 2008, alcohol-related crimes dropped overall, declining 17 percent, however, DUI arrests near San Diego’s beaches are up 8 percent. This after a one-year temporary ban instituted on all San Diego beaches instituted in late 2007. Even after this report, Proposition D, which made the alcohol ban permanent on San Diego beaches, gained voter approval on November 4, 2008. Will this mean more DUIs, or less?
Police officials aren’t entirely sure. Proponents insist that the permanent ban will continue to improve alcohol-related crime rates while opponents of the measure caution that there were many other factors at play that may have caused the results.
"I can appreciate the fact the police want to present statistics such that crime is always going down," said Jacob Pyle of the group FreePB.org. "However, a decrease in community visitors with a corresponding drop in crime does not make my community safer."
Pyle also noted that the city is on track to have almost 4 million fewer visitors to its beaches this year.
San Diego city councilman Kevin Faulconer said the police report proves the beach communities are safer with the alcohol prohibition.
"I think the statistics we've seen today bear that out," he said.
Faulconer, who represents a large portion of the beach areas, was the mastermind behind the one-year trial ban on alcohol at San Diego's beaches and coastal parks following a altercation in Pacific Beach on Labor Day.
Councilman Ben Hueso also praised the ban, saying it has done a lot to reduce crime in San Diego's beach communities. And he reproached beachgoers who think alcohol is a necessary to having a good time while at the beach.
"If people aren't going to the beach because they can't drink, I think that's very, very sad," Hueso said.
Alcohol Ban at San Diego Beaches: Will It Increase DUI Arrests?
FAQ about the Alcohol Ban for San Diego Beaches
Change to City Council Policy on Alcohol at San Diego Beaches
Finally, A Beach Alcohol Ban (Which Needs A Tweak), San Diego Union-Tribune, SignonSanDiego.com, November 8, 2008
Alcohol-Related Crime Drops Following Beach Booze Ban, North County Times, NCTimes.com, October 22, 2008
Related Web Resources
Do you think the ban is a good idea?
Statement by San Diego City Attorney on the ban
If you have been arrested and charged with DUI in San Diego county, then trust your case to an experienced San Diego criminal defense attorney. Attorney Victor A. Orsatti will explain your legal options during a free consultation.
