#United States #California #San Francisco #Alcohol Justice #AB 342

California Faces Overwhelming Costs from Extended Late Night Last Call Legislation

In recent discussions surrounding California's nightlife, legislation proposing the extension of last call times to 4 A.M. has sparked substantial controversy. According to a new analysis by Alcohol Justice, the financial implications could reach an astonishing $2 billion over the next five years. This raises important questions about the true costs versus benefits of Assembly Bill 342, which aims to prolong bar hours, primarily benefiting a select few establishments at the expense of community safety and fiscal responsibility.

Economic Burdens of Extended Hours

The projected costs associated with later alcohol service hours stem from various factors, including increased demands on law enforcement, emergency services, and healthcare systems, along with heightened rates of reckless driving, crime, and injuries. Raul Verdugo, the Director of Advocacy for Alcohol Justice, pointedly states that while some bars may prosper from the extra hours, the broader community bears the brunt of the associated harms. He emphasizes, “Extending last call times only benefits a handful of bars, while spreading the cost of alcohol harm over everyone.”

A growing concern for community health officials mirrors Verdugo's sentiment. Kat DeBurgh, Executive Director of the Health Officers Association of California, notes the adverse effects that later last call times would have on public health. Citing a significant rise in alcohol-related mortality — increasing by 70% within six years — she urges the legislature to reject this bill outright.

The Ripple Effect on Communities

One particularly troubling aspect of AB 342 is that while it was initiated to assist San Francisco, it effectively allows any city to create their own 4 A.M. zones, potentially wreaking havoc on surrounding communities. Research indicates that alcohol-related harm does not confine itself to these zones. As a 2008 report from Ventura County Behavioral Health illustrates, intoxicated drivers tend to travel between 7 to 40 miles before being apprehended. Similar patterns are evident in neighboring counties where late last call hours have been instituted, with increased DUI arrests documented in counties bordering those with extended hours.

Specifically, data showing alcohol-related freeway fatalities in the San Francisco Bay Area highlights how crashes are significantly more prevalent in cities like Oakland and San Francisco than in other areas when leaving these party zones. As Miryom Yisrael, Chief Operating Officer of Alcohol Justice, remarks, “It’s easy for lawmakers to pretend their cities are the only ones that exist. But most of us live in residential areas where the party isn't always happening, but the crashes sure are.”

A Cost Analysis That Speaks Volumes

This cost analysis reflects and amplifies a landmark study by Meena Subbaraman and William Kerr from the Alcohol Research Group, which had previously evaluated the impact of extended hours in Los Angeles. The new analysis synthesizes the effects on a state-wide scale, focusing solely on weekend early mornings and adjusting for inflation. Assuming only 5% of California bars and restaurants opt for extended hours, the cost would surpass $376 million annually, totaling an alarming $2.046 billion over five years. The burden on individual cities would be heaviest in areas such as:

• - San Francisco: $27.2 million/year, equaling $150 million over five years
• - Los Angeles: $27.9 million/year, leading to $154 million over five years
• - San Diego: $22.1 million/year, amounting to $122 million over five years
• - Sacramento: $10.9 million/year, leading to a total of $60.4 million over five years

These figures come at a time when numerous Californian cities are grappling with budgetary crises and contemplating painful service cuts. Carson Benowitz-Fredericks, Research Director for Alcohol Justice, aptly warns that attempts to replicate Bourbon Street festivities on Main Street could siphon funds away from crucial public services such as transit, housing, and emergency medical services.

The Final Word

The evidence clearly indicates that late last call hours pose not only health risks but also significant economic drawbacks. Verdugo sums it up succinctly, stating, “What we're realizing is that they're also financially devastating. We can't afford it. We call on the California legislature to keep common-sense last calls in place and reject AB 342.” The ongoing debate over late-night bar hours should ultimately prioritize the well-being of California’s communities, ensuring that future decisions do not compromise public safety and fiscal health.