Thursday, October 1, 2026
Last week, the Long Beach City Council voted 4 to 1 against allowing the limited sale of alcoholic beverages at the concessions on our boardwalk. I cast the lone vote in favor of the proposal.
I want to thank everyone who took the time to speak at the hearing or emailed me to share their opinions about the issue — having a voice is vital to a thriving democracy.
I voted in favor of the proposal for a few reasons. The resolution would only have allowed the concessionaires to negotiate a new clause, known as a rider, to be added to their lease agreements.
That rider would permit the sale of alcohol, with negotiated restrictions. This would not have allowed alcoholic beverages to be consumed on the boardwalk — it would simply have permitted alcohol to be sold and consumed only at the concessions.
If you frequent our boardwalk, you know there are a handful of picnic tables in front of some of the concession buildings. That area in front would have been the only place where consumption would be legal.
This practice is no different — or stricter — than the way concessions sell alcohol at Jones Beach and numerous other beach communities along the East Coast.
The city has enormous leverage in negotiating the terms of the concession leases. In a leap of good faith, the owners made their generous proposal public, but all restrictions would have had to be included in their leases.
The restrictions could have been even stricter — the city could have demanded a two-drink maximum, ending sales earlier than the proposed 10 p.m. closing time or insisting on the sale of only wine and beer.
We could have tested this by making the rider good for only one season so we could all see the results — and amend the restrictions accordingly. We also could have reiterated the right to terminate the new clause at any time.
In my opinion, this was a missed opportunity to slowly implement the limited sale of alcohol with an abundance of caution. I believe our residents and visitors would have found it a rather conventional and enjoyable aspect of concession dining. I have faith in adults acting responsibly and appropriately should they choose to enjoy a drink with their meal.
Although these are boardwalk concessions, their menus and vibe are similar to restaurants. Our city did extensive community outreach during the second phase of the boardwalk revitalization plan. The top request among our residents (besides ice cream) was the availability of restaurants — not simple hot dog and burger stands but places that offered delicious, creative and healthy dining options.
As a reminder, the Federal Emergency Management Agency covered the entire cost of these restroom and concession facilities. A full reimbursement from FEMA was paramount in order to avoid burdening our local tax base. Therefore, the size and scope of these facilities was restricted.
The city is very lucky that these concessionaires put their heart and soul into their businesses, our boardwalk and community. As small business owners, they invested thousands of dollars into creating a unique restaurant experience for our city.
One point of opposition I feel I must address is beach safety: I, too, fear a few rotten apples — intoxicated people being a disturbance or, especially, swimming in our ocean while under the influence. This is a genuine fear that our lifeguards face every day.
I know our police specials write innumerable tickets throughout the summer season. However, the problem of those abusing the laws that prohibit alcohol consumption on the beach is a completely separate matter than concessions having the right to serve a glass of wine with a meal.
I want these small businesses to succeed. Although our entire business community must cope with being a predominantly seasonal location, the concessions on the boardwalk are currently open for about half the year. Like all of our businesses, we want and need them to thrive.
We are lucky that the concession owners aren’t faceless corporations or out-of-town restaurateurs. The last thing I want is for a corporate restaurant to bid for the right to operate these establishments. It is not an unfounded fear.
We are very fortunate to have locals now. They are owned and operated by great residents — friends to many of us — with long histories of generosity in our city. Yes, of course these businesses need to make a profit, but I don’t believe they would do so if it meant jeopardizing our quality of life. Anyone who knows these small business people understands that they are the people we want on the boardwalk.
I respect people’s different opinions, and considered all of them. The hearing was a great debate, with friends on both sides of the proposal. I know the concession operators were very disappointed for various reasons. For that, on behalf of the city, I am truly sorry.
Still, I ask that you visit one of these fine establishments this summer. Sit, eat and ask yourself, would it be so terrible if the person eating at the table next to you enjoyed a beer or glass of wine? I think it would have been great. Cheers.
Eramo, a West End resident, is vice president of the City Council.
