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

California Advocates Rally Against AB 342

As California lawmakers deliberate on AB 342, a proposed bill to extend alcohol sales in bars, restaurants, and clubs until 4 a.m., a coalition of public health advocates, community leaders, and concerned residents are making their voices heard. Recent reports from Alcohol Justice indicate that this legislative proposal poses a significant threat to public health and safety, likely exacerbating California's ongoing issues with alcohol-related harm.

The Consequences of a 4 A.M. Last Call

Currently, California maintains a standard last call at 2 a.m. This long-standing regulation helps mitigate the risks associated with late-night alcohol consumption, including drunk driving, assaults, and other dangerous behaviors. Advocates argue that extending alcohol sales to 4 a.m. would jeopardize these protections, posing additional risks not just to urban centers like San Francisco, but also to surrounding rural communities.

Cruz Avila, Executive Director of Alcohol Justice, emphasizes the dire implications of AB 342, stating, "This bill prioritizes the profits of the alcohol industry over the well-being of Californians. It's supported by data that clearly indicates extending last call will lead to increased incidents of drunk driving, injuries, and losses of life. California must prioritize public health over corporate interests."

Alarming Statistics

A comprehensive analysis from the Alcohol Resource Group has confirmed the inherent dangers of extending alcohol sales. Key findings include:

• - Increase in Drunk Driving Fatalities: Alcohol-related driving deaths in California have surged from 966 in 2019 to 1,370 in 2021, as reported by the California Office of Traffic Safety (2023). Allowing bar sales to extend into the early morning would likely compound this issue by increasing the number of intoxicated drivers on the roads during critical commuting hours.
• - Rising Alcohol-Related Deaths: The state has seen a staggering 70% uptick in alcohol-related fatalities, climbing from 10,800 in 2015 to an alarming 19,335 in 2021. Advocates assert that AB 342 would exacerbate this epidemic, enabling excessive drinking into potentially dangerous hours.
• - Economic Impact: The economic burden of alcohol-related damage is estimated at $35 billion annually in California. Extending last call would lead to increased operational pressures on emergency services as they tackle the consequences of alcohol-related incidents.

Local Communities at Risk

According to data from the Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System, alcohol-related collisions are disproportionately concentrated around urban hubs like San Francisco. The likelihood of accidents increases significantly, with evidence showing that greater numbers of these incidents bubble up from densely populated areas where alcohol is consumed later into the night.

Community and Legislative Rejection

Historically, California residents have staunchly opposed similar legislative initiatives aimed at extending alcohol sales. Attempts to pass analogous bills since 2013 have been rejected each time, as communities recognize the inherent dangers associated with such policies. Lawmakers, including California Assemblymember Tom Lackey, have voiced their concerns, stating, "This bill is a disaster waiting to happen. It will undoubtedly result in more drunk driving, accidents, and fatalities on our roads."

Call to Action

The latest advocacy efforts are urging the Assembly Governmental Organization Committee to carefully consider the broader implications of AB 342. By rejecting this proposal, lawmakers can reaffirm their commitment to protecting the health and safety of California families. With robust evidence and community backing, advocates are determined to counter this attempt to extend alcohol sales, recognizing it as a threat that risks undoing decades of public health progress.

Raul Verdugo, Advocacy Director at Alcohol Justice, adds, "By disregarding 40 years of peer-reviewed research and ignoring the voices of Californians who value public health over profits, we risk dismantling vital protections."

About Alcohol Justice

Founded in 1987, Alcohol Justice is a nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing alcohol-related harm through extensive research, advocacy, and fostering community engagement. By holding the alcohol industry accountable and promoting sound public policy, Alcohol Justice strives for healthier and safer communities throughout California.

Join the conversation online with hashtags like #ProtectCALastCall, #VoteNoOnAB342, and #PublicHealthOverProfits, as advocates continue their fight against AB 342.