By: Eye On Inglewood Staff Writer
California lawmakers passed a bill on Tuesday, August 20th that will extend state law to allow alcohol sales inside the future home of the Los Angeles Clippers until 4 a.m.
The bill, AB 3206, was swiftly approved by the state Senate after just 5 minutes of discussion and will now head to Governor Gavin Newsom's desk for signature.
The new law would grant a waiver to the Intuit Dome, the Clippers' forthcoming $1.2 billion arena in Inglewood, permitting the sale of alcoholic beverages well past the state's standard 2 a.m. closing time.
Supporters argue the extended hours will boost revenue and create a more vibrant gameday atmosphere for fans attending Clippers games and other events at the arena. Critics, however, warn the measure could increase the risk of intoxicated driving in the area.
The bill's passage through the legislature comes as somewhat of a surprise, given the typically intense debates that surround proposals to expand alcohol access in California. But with the Clippers' move to Inglewood a high-profile project, lawmakers appear to have fast-tracked the legislation with little public scrutiny.
If signed by Governor Newsom, the new law would make the Intuit Dome one of the only venues in the state allowed to sell alcohol past 2 a.m. The measure is seen as a victory for the Clippers organization as it prepares to open its long-awaited new home in 2024.
If approved, the special extension of alcohol sales for the club would last until 2030.
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