California Bans Alcohol in Bars

In a sweeping reform bill, the California state legislature today passed a law prohibiting the serving of alcohol in bars.

By George Wolfe

SACRAMENTO — In a sweeping reform bill, the California state legislature today passed a law prohibiting the serving of alcohol in bars. Lawmakers pointed to the precedent of smoking-related laws enacted in recent years and celebrated by toasting with glasses of water on the steps of the capitol.

Down the street, bar owner Micky O'Doul echoed the sentiments of many others throughout the state. "This is truly a dark day in the world history of drinking. Doesn't anybody in this country remember Prohibition? In Ireland, an act like this would be tantamount to treason — it's bloody insanity!! What am I supposed to do at Happy Hour?! I'm just so sad."

— Mark Devorkian, lawyer for Lowell Ginwright

Boyd Ahmanson (R—Costa Mesa) was one such lawmaker who cited previous laws in casting his vote. "When you look at how much healthier the average Californian is today because of no-smoking regulations, it's natural to think: 'What else is out there that's bad for us?' I mean, if you want to have a sustainable state, then it makes sense to help sustain the people living in it."

Also cited by legislators as justification for the new law is the still-pending case of Orange County barfly Lowell Ginwright, an alcoholic who sued a bar on grounds that it was endangering his health. Ginwright claimed that — given his tendency for addiction — having an alcohol-serving establishment so close to his home created a "clear and present danger to myself, and therefore to my family, my community and my country. It was a huge burden."

Asked if he abdicated personal responsibility by focusing on the bars instead of his own addiction, Ginwright countered that, "I abdicated as hard as I could."

Upon hearing about today's legislation, Ginwright's lawyer Mark Devorkian spoke with the press, "Obviously, we're pleased as punch. This is a victory for all people who suffer from the temptation of addiction. Finally, we may be able to lead happier, healthier lives without these scourges dotting our landscape. And it's not only best for people fighting addiction, but it's best for everyone. Even people who drink tell us they support these sorts of restrictions."

Asked if such decisions shouldn't be left to the individual bar owners or customers, Devorkian notes, "If we leave it to the bars, obviously, nothing will get done. They have a vested interest in selling alcohol to people who drink it. Where's the incentive to stop? So we provide that. Besides, even if they don't want to admit it, they know it's best for them."