Council Refuses to Ban Some Sponsors of Events

Despite warnings from local residents and alcohol awareness groups on the dangers of subliminal advertising, the Monterey Park City Council has rejected a proposal to ban sponsorship of city events by alcohol, gambling and tobacco companies.

The ban was urged by Mayor Sam Kiang, who had objected to a Bell Gardens casino’s desire to sponsor last Saturday’s Chinese New Year parade and festival in Alhambra and Monterey Park. Wary of the ensuing controversy, the casino, the Bicycle Club, stayed out of the event.

Kiang’s stand won praise from some school officials and parents, but sparked protests from business leaders and council members who said it was unfair to exclude sponsors on moral grounds. Kiang was the only council member to vote in favor of the ban, which would have affected any city-sponsored event where minors might be present.