For the third time a bill by California State Senator Scott Wiener attempts to move California’s “last call” alcohol law to 4am. But, some oppose the change because of concerns about early-morning drunk driving.
John Duran, the mayor of West Hollywood, says fear of more traffic collisions during the morning commute might be unjustified because, he says, people who drink later won’t necessarily be driving.
“One of the things we’re seeing in West Hollywood, and probably other communities with entertainment districts, is people got the message. Uber and Lyft are being widely utilized for people when they decide to go out and have a good time somewhere in the city. Lyft’s number one spot in all of Los Angeles is The Abbey in the city of West Hollywood. So, the message is seeping in. I think because of the consequences of drunk driving. Not only the carnage that you’re describing, and the sheriff has described to us, but also the consequences in the courts, and the message is seeping in and people are getting it. Are there always going to be scofflaws who decide, you know, ‘it doesn’t apply to me?’ Yeah, and we have to deal with them, and guess what? Some of them are driving drunk at 10 o’clock at night.”
Duran was a guest on 790KABC.
By Christina Kelley, KABC News