What is the beach alcohol ban?: You can no longer consume alcohol at all city beaches, bay shores and coastal parks. This ban took effect on Jan. 15, 2008 and will be in place for a year, after which the city council will decide on whether to make it permanent. It was adopted after years of complaints by beach community residents of drunken and disorderly behavior becoming more frequent and violent.
What beaches and parks does this cover?: All city beaches and bays in City Council Districts 1 and 2, along the coast from Point Loma to the Del Mar city limits. Mission Beach, Pacific Beach, Ocean Beach and associated piers, boardwalks and sea walls are affected, as well as the beaches and shoreline of La Jolla.
Can I drink alcohol at parks?: Mission Bay Park (includes Fiesta Island, Robb Field and Dusty Rhodes Park in Ocean Beach), Sunset Cliffs Natural Park, Tourmaline Surfing Park and all coastal parks south of Tourmaline no longer allow alcohol. But booze is still allowed in Ellen Browning Scripps Park from noon to 8 p.m.
Does this ban apply to weddings or special events?: Organizers with special-event permits issued by San Diego's Office of Special Events are exempt from the booze ban, such as Over-the-Line and the Thunderboat races. If you are planning a wedding in a park affected by the booze ban and wish to serve alcohol, you have to obtain a special-event permit to do so.
Are all city parks that are not off-limits for alcohol consumption?: There are 21 inland parks where alcohol is allowed from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., including Lake Murray Community Park, Kate Sessions Memorial Park and Presidio Park. There are eight coastal parks and open-space areas north of Tourmaline Surfing Park, where alcohol is allowed from noon to 8 p.m.
They are: Calumet Park; Charlotte Park; Hermosa Park; Hermosa Terrace Park; La Jolla Strand Park; Nicholson's Point Park; Ellen Browning Scripps Park and Windansea Park.
What are the penalties for consuming alcohol on the beach?: First-time violators could be fined up to $250. Repeat offenders could face a maximum fine of $1,000 and up to six months in jail.
