Judge Cancels Arguments on Liquor Ad Restrictions

A federal judge on Monday said he didn’t have to hear any more arguments before deciding what to do with a lawsuit against planned city restrictions on alcohol and beer billboards and signs.

U.S. District Judge Spencer Letts canceled oral arguments Monday, telling attorneys on both sides he would make a decision based on briefs that were submitted earlier.

The advertising, liquor and beer industries are challenging the city ordinance, which is scheduled to take effect Saturday.

The new law would force companies to remove alcohol billboards, storefront advertisements and neon signs from within 1,000 feet of places used by minors--including schools, residential zones, religious institutions, parks and playgrounds.

Those who filed the challenge include the Korean-American Grocers Assn., Mexican-American Grocers Assn., California State Package Store and Tavern Owners Assn., California Beverage Merchants, California Beer and Beverage Distributors, Outdoor Advertising Assn. of America, Beer Institute and Wine Institute.

“The city now has the tools to address that problem [of minors and alcohol], and I’m confident the courts won’t take them away from us,” said City Councilman Mike Feuer, who sponsored the ordinance.

Some counties in California have adopted parallel ordinances. And a similar law enacted in Baltimore withstood a serious legal challenge by the alcohol industry in 1995.

If implemented, the city Building and Safety Department would be in charge of enforcement.

Violations would be misdemeanors carrying a maximum fine of $1,000 and probation.