HUNTINGTON BEACH
The Planning Commission voted 5 to 2 last week to allow restaurants to serve alcohol to customers sitting outdoors on public property. Approval of the measure is still required from the City Council and Coastal Commission, said Planning Commission Chairman Fred Speaker. Commissioners Bob Biddle and Connie Mandic dissented.
Opponents said more alcohol consumption will place additional burdens on an already overworked downtown police force. “Our chief of police [Ron Lowenberg] has told us time and time again that the timing is not right for this,” downtown resident Loretta Wolfe said. Businessman Bob Bolen said he can’t understand why the city complains about too many bars but, at the same time, will permit restaurants to serve alcohol outdoors. “Like they say to drugs, ‘Just say no,’ ” he said.
Because the law requires a customer to eat a meal, not just drink, the commission majority concluded that outdoor dining will attract older, more upscale patrons and help combat the downtown’s image as a place for a young, rowdy crowd.
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