PACIFIC BEACH – The debate over whether Pacific Beach has an excessive number of bars and alcohol permits, which may be linked to increased crime, has come back into discussion.
This time, the debate focuses on the Waterbar located at 4325 Ocean Blvd., which has initiated the permitting procedure to expand and utilize additional space on its rooftop, providing ocean vistas.
- Ocean Blvd
On the opposite side is Scott Chipman, a long-time resident of PB, who works as an environmental designer, local planner, and community advocate. For many years, he has opposed the granting of additional alcohol permits in the beach community. PB has traditionally been recognized for its young population and elevated levels of alcohol-related criminal activity.
But WaterbarCo-owner Todd Brown mentioned that circumstances have evolved. The preferences of younger generations have shifted. He observed that they are socializing and consuming alcohol less frequently, which has introduced new difficulties for PB restaurant owners trying to stay afloat.
Even though there are multiple rooftop restaurants on the third floor in La Jolla, we haven’t come across one that is genuinely right by the ocean,” said Brown. “This development would offer Pacific Beach a distinctive chance for locals, hotels, and people visiting the beach.
Due to significant rises in operational costs since the pandemic, our sector, along with numerous other small businesses, has struggled to keep pace. Expenses related to labor, insurance, and general inflation have led to narrower profit margins than seen in the past 35 years.
Unfortunately, dining out is often one of the first expenses to be reduced or cut from the budget,” Brown said. “Simply visit the grocery store and check the prices to see how much they’ve risen in just the past year.
“Currently, there are fewer restaurants and bars in Pacific Beach compared to what I recall, following numerous closures. This winter appears to be a tough period as well. Waterbar and Pacific Beach require more genuinely unique attractions to stand out when people are choosing where to go for the evening,” Brown said.
Chipman, on the other hand, remained doubtful. “Why has the Pacific Beach business area caused the neighborhood to be the second-most violent in the city for many years?” he questioned.
Due to the fact that numerous family-friendly restaurants have transformed into bars and sports bars that appear to be regular restaurants or function as such until dinner ends, after which they operate as nightclubs until 2 a.m.
Chipman noted that Waterbar “now has two bars, and the owners are seeking permission for a third bar on the rooftop. A ‘bar,’ by definition, is an establishment that provides alcoholic drinks, and occasionally food, to customers.”
“The ABC license category is classified as 47, referred to as an ‘On-Sale General – Eating Place’ license, which permits a restaurant or dining establishment to serve beer, wine, and distilled spirits for on-site consumption. A crucial condition is that the business must function as a ‘genuine eating place,’ indicating that at least half of its total revenue must be derived from food sales,” Chipman stated.
That’s where the issue lies, he argues. “There are no forensic audits to establish if food sales are surpassing alcohol sales,” he stated. “And with three bars, it’s reasonable to assume this ‘restaurant’ will not be compliant.”
This is merely the same debate that has persisted for decades, Brown stated.
“The individuals against this project are the same ones who have consistently opposed any matters related to alcohol and the hospitality sector in Pacific Beach over the past 25 years,” Brown stated.
They have consistently been effective in using local media to create the impression that they speak for a significantly larger portion of Pacific Beach residents than they truly do or ever have. Rather than attempting to collaborate with the hospitality sector to address worries and promote responsible drinking, they have opted to target local businesses.
“How establishing an open-air, seaside restaurant with breathtaking views would lead to crime in Pacific Beach is unclear and illogical,” Brown stated.
Being residents of PB, owning property in PB, and employing thousands of San Diegans who are dedicated, hardworking individuals committed to the community, we value both community input and our obligations to PB, and are eager to help improve PB.
Chipman argues that an excessive number of alcohol permits in PB has damaged the community’s public reputation. “The residents of PB and the city as a whole now frequently call it the ‘bar district of PB,'” he stated. “Not ‘The area with restaurants that serve alcoholic beverages with meals.'”
Chipman stated, “There is no ‘bar district’ or ‘entertainment district.’ This is a neighborhood business area, and the trend of businesses has been pushing out the community while increasing crime rates. The crime and alcohol-related issues in the PB business district have escalated one decision at a time.”
You need to take into account the overall effects of each of these choices. To avoid adding to the existing high levels of alcohol-related crime, we recommend implementing a rule that prohibits serving alcohol on the upper floor, along with on-site security to oversee excessive drinking and consumption.
Is Development Services or Alcohol Beverage Control recognizing their duty to safeguard the public health, safety, and well-being of residents in areas with a high number of alcohol permits?
