Booze-Tied Crime Down in Beach Areas

San Diego Police say alcohol-related crime was down this year in San Diego's beach areas following the implementation of a one-year booze ban.

Police told the City Council's Public Safety and Neighborhood Services Committee on Wednesday that a total of 3,438 alcohol-related citations were given in 2007, compared to 2,855 so far this year, a decline of nearly 17 percent.

But opponents of the alcohol ban say a number of factors contributed to a decline in crime in the beach areas, notably a lack of visitors.

The temporary ban was approved by the City Council last November. It is set to expire Jan. 14 if voters reject Proposition D on Nov. 4.

Proposition D would permanently make the consumption of alcohol unlawful at city beaches, Mission Bay Park and other coastal parks.

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