Letter to the Editor: Manhattan Beach and Alcohol

Dear Editor:

Manhattan Beach’s motto is “The City of Sun, Sand, and Sea.” A more appropriate motto is “The City of Sun, Sand, and Seagram’s 7.” Recently, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health issued a report ranking Manhattan Beach 110 of 117 cities with the highest concentration of bars and drinking establishments. Hermosa Beach ranked 114, Redondo Beach 107. Manhattan Beach ranked 112 of 117 cities in alcohol-related car crashes. Hermosa Beach ranked 61, Redondo Beach 102.

The report, “Reducing Alcohol Related Harms in Los Angeles County,” found that increased alcohol availability contributes to abuse and leads to serious medical illness and impaired mental health (www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/sapc/).  

When did Manhattan Beach change to Las Vegas by the Sea? Of all the establishments serving liquor in Manhattan Beach, including those that opened before 1994, nearly 60 percent opened with the approval of the Manhattan Beach City Councils (MBCC) during 1994-2010. This does not include the extensive number of other outlets selling liquor including grocery stores, gas stations, retail stores, and pharmacies.

The present MBCC, seeking the pinnacle 117, approved expansion of Strada and, last week, Hotdogger. Not fully content, the MBCC approved a request to L.A. County Supervisor Knabe to sell liquor at a Centennial event bastardizing our pristine beach. No other beach city allows the sale or consumption of liquor.

Had enough? Take action! Voice your opposition on the sale and consumption of alcohol on our beach to Supervisor Knabe at 310-322-1222 or by e-mail, don@lacbos.org; and, to the MBCC, CityCouncil@citymb.info. 

Sincerely,

Edward C. Caprielian, Ph.D.
Manhattan Beach resident