Being a billionaire has its perks. Despite previous failed attempts, California’s “last call” law was extended to allow alcohol sales until 4 a.m., thanks to the personal benefit to one of the world’s richest individuals.
Currently, California prohibits alcohol sales from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m., forcing bars and nightclubs to close at 2 a.m. State Sen. Scott Wiener (D–San Francisco) has been advocating for last-call extensions since 2016, facing multiple rejections along the way. Despite his efforts, only a narrow bill made it through the state Legislature in 2018, which was vetoed by former Gov. Jerry Brown. Even with Gov. Gavin Newsom’s tenure, recent attempts to extend last call were unsuccessful until a bill was passed to allow one exclusive club inside the Intuit Dome to serve alcohol until 4 a.m.
The Intuit Dome, home to the Los Angeles Clippers and owned by billionaire Steve Ballmer, will offer extended alcohol service to VIP members, raising concerns about favoritism and inequality in the legislation. Despite opposition citing potential risks of drunk driving accidents, data on the impact of extended last call hours remains inconclusive, with cities like New York and Chicago having later last call times and lower DUI rates compared to Los Angeles.
In a classic display of modern politics, the passage of the bill benefits a select few while opponents raise alarmist scenarios about the consequences of allowing bars to stay open longer.
