City workers posted signs along San Diego's beaches yesterday reminding visitors of the one-year trial ban on booze at the beach. The ban went into effect because
not enough signatures were submitted in time to reverse the ban. Unless the ban opponent group "
Ban The Ban 3" can raise a $70,000 down payment by Friday to continue counting signatures (a cost which could exceed $147,000) the
ban remains in effect.
First-time violators could be charged with an infraction that carries a maximum fine of $250. Repeat violators could face a misdemeanor charge that carries a maximum fine of $1,000 and up to six months in jail.
Police Chief William Lansdowne said officers initially will focus on educating the public rather than issuing citations right away. He called the first 30 days a warning period.
"After the 30 days and the signs are up, and everyone is used to it and understands, then we will start citations," Lansdowne said.
