Del Mar officially became the fourth city in San Diego County to permanently ban booze on its beaches. The decision was made after a unanimous vote by the Del Mar City Council this week. The vote makes permanent a one year alcohol ban that was approved last May.
Del Mar officials decided to implement a temporary ban shortly after the city of San Diego restricted alcohol consumption on its beaches. A staff report showed many alcohol drinkers had flocked to Del Mar, shortly after San Diego's decision.
Within weeks, of San Diego's ban, 28 people were cited at Del Mar beaches for underage drinking, urinating in public and possessing glass bottles, according to the staff report.
Alcohol is now banned at beaches in the cities of San Diego, Carlsbad, Encinitas and Del Mar. State beaches in Torrey Pines and along the Silver strand, as well as in the city of Solana Beach, are still considering their alcohol consumption policies.
Booze will be banned at Del Mar beaches from March 1 through the day after Labor Day.
