Group pushes for crackdown on PB bars

A group of Pacific Beach residents has not given up trying to convince City Hall to impose added regulations on late-night bars and restaurants.

But some of the most vocal supporters said the effort is meeting new resistance.

“There’s a lot of pushback from bar owners and their employees,” said Scott Chipman, member of the Pacific Beach Planning Commission and advocate for stronger city oversight of neighborhood bars.

Recently, complaints against several members of the commission were filed with the city.

Chipman and others are pushing for a Conditional Use Permit to be put in place in Pacific Beach, which would allow the city to determine which bars can stay open late. The aim is to cut down on alcohol-related crime.

“Pacific Beach has been known by people in the region and nationally as a place to come and over-consume alcohol,” Chipman explained.

According to San Diego Police, over two-hundred people were arrested or cited for alcohol-related incidents over the Fourth of July weekend in both Mission and Pacific Beach.

The idea of a Conditional Use Permit has met strong resistance from bar owners. The PB Hospitality Group claims negative publicity on the issue has hurt business.

David Jones operates several Pacific Beach bars and believes, “the majority of alcohol sold in Pacific Beach is at convienence stores and chain stores. Most DUI’s come from residences and house parties.”

See the video on Channel Fox 5