New California Law Allows 4 a.m. Last Call for Exclusive Club Members
Exception for Private Club in Los Angeles Clippers’ Arena
The last call for drinks is 2 a.m. in California, but the state will soon carve out an exception to allow alcohol to be served until 4 a.m. for one private, members-only club located in the Los Angeles Clippers’ new state-of-the-art arena.
Background and Legislation
The new law signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom over the weekend will allow about 100 club members to be served wine, beer, and other liquor until 4 a.m. in private suites inside the Intuit Dome after game days and concerts. The law was sponsored by a group owned by Steve Ballmer, the current Clippers owner and former CEO of Microsoft.
Campaign Funding and Conflict of Interest
Ballmer funded the Intuit Dome and his wife, Connie Ballmer, gave Newsom’s campaign $1 million in 2021 to help fight a recall election against the governor. The group owned by Steve Ballmer also spent roughly $220,000 this year to sway lawmakers on the legislation, among other proposals, according to lobbying reports.
Ethics Experts Criticize the Exception
The measure drew criticism from some, including ethics experts, for granting an exception benefiting a major campaign donor’s family member. "It’s certainly going to become an issue for his opponents and critics to point to the fact that he seemed to provide a special favor to a wealthy sports franchise owner and its facility and its wealthy fans," said John Pelissero, director of government ethics at Santa Clara University. "It just doesn’t look good."
Governor’s Response
Newsom’s spokesperson Izzy Gardon said "the Governor’s decisions on legislation are made solely on the merits of each bill."
Prior Instances of Exceptions
It’s not the first time the governor has faced a backlash for carving out exceptions for a select few. He was lambasted for attending a birthday party in 2020 at the pricy French Laundry restaurant in wine country north of San Francisco, breaking the very rules he preached to the public to slow the spread of the coronavirus during the pandemic.
California’s New Law
The new California law allowing the exception for the private club members comes after California lawmakers spent years unsuccessfully pushing to extend the last call for drinks in a few cities. Several states, including New York and Tennessee, have already passed legislation extending serving hours beyond 2 a.m.
Conclusion
The new California law allows for a pilot program to extend last call hours for a private club in the Los Angeles Clippers’ arena. While supporters argue it will boost the local economy and attract more visitors, opponents worry it will lead to more drunk driving and promote excessive drinking.
FAQs
Q: What is the new last call hour for the private club in the Los Angeles Clippers’ arena?
A: 4 a.m.
Q: Who sponsored the legislation?
A: A group owned by Steve Ballmer, the current Clippers owner and former CEO of Microsoft.
Q: What is the significance of the Intuit Dome?
A: The Intuit Dome is the new state-of-the-art arena of the Los Angeles Clippers, located in Inglewood, and is scheduled to host the 2026 All-Star Game and serve as the basketball venue for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Q: Will the new law be reviewed after January 2030?
A: Yes, the law will sunset in January 2030, and the new last-call rule still needs final approval from the city.
