Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council accepts $18,800 Long Beach Aware grant for underage-drinking prevention; debate over enforcement vs. education
Summary
Council accepted an $18,800 federal grant administered by Long Beach Aware to fund police overtime and prevention programs addressing underage drinking. Public speakers and a bar-owner council member debated whether responsibility should fall to establishments or be enforcement-driven; program leaders described diversion classes designed not to leave lasting records if completed.
The City Council voted Nov. 5 to accept $18,800 in funding from Long Beach Aware to support police operations aimed at reducing underage drinking, a program that includes education, enforcement and diversion options for youngsters cited for alcohol violations.
City staff presented the grant as usable for past, present or future overtime tied to the program. "These funds are used for operations to combat underage drinking," a Long Beach Aware representative said. She described a "guest doorman" tactic (off-duty officers positioned as door staff), party patrols and an online education class run by Long Beach Aware that the court can divert youths into as an alternative to a criminal record. The program, the speaker said, is designed to avoid lifelong consequences if participants complete the education and court requirements.
Council members and members of the public questioned the program’s focus. Council member Chris (a bar owner who spoke during public comment) argued enforcement should focus on holding establishments accountable rather than penalizing youths; he said bar owners should be responsible for ID checks. Long Beach Aware and others countered that the program pairs education, court diversion and adult accountability, and that confiscated IDs are turned over to police and the courts manage citations.
Residents raised health-and-safety concerns including alcohol poisoning and neighborhood drug activity; police said extra patrols and a narcotics unit are active in locations of concern. One resident, James Hodge, praised Long Beach Aware’s long-term work and grant-writing efforts on behalf of the community.
The resolution to accept the $18,800 grant was approved as part of the evening consent items. Council and staff said they will monitor program administration and the use of grant funds.
