The booze ban at the beach has helped to create a new hangout spot for people who want to enjoy the ocean breeze and alcohol, Kate Sessions Neighborhood Park in North Pacific Beach.
The park is one of the few remaining places where people can drink in public areas following the beach booze ban. On Sunday, Hundreds of people gathered at the park with tents, barbecues and plenty of alcohol to celebrate the 4th of July holiday.
"This is one of the only parks you can drink at," said Clint Silknitter. He and several friends brought a beer bong fitted for four people, which allows for accelerated ingestion of beer.
Capt. Christopher Ball of the San Diego Police Department said an increasing amount of people have flocked to the park. "This park was not as popular before the beach alcohol ban," Ball said.
Capt. Ball and other officers were stationed at the park the entire day, speaking to park visitors and answering questions about what is legal at the park and what is not.
"They're asking a lot of good questions and we're giving them answers that hopefully, they want to hear," Ball said. He said those drinking at the park were generally intelligent and respectful people just looking to have a good time.
Residents have complained about rowdiness, public urination and excessive drinking at the park. Some have proposed a complete ban on alcohol.
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One regular visitor at the park didn't seem to mind. "A lot of people like to come out and have drinks and cocktails and stuff. We never really had problems with rowdy crowds and stuff like that," said Isaiah Thornton who has celebrated the 4th of July at the park for the past three years.
But one party-goer was not optimistic that alcohol consumption would be allowed for much longer. "I hope it will be available but don't think it will be available. I'm just realistic. I think we only have a year or two left and that's it," said Shannon Clute of Point Loma.
