California extends last-call for L.A. Clippers fans after 2 a.m

California lawmakers have passed a bill allowing a private club within the Intuit Dome, home of the L.A. Clippers, to serve alcohol until 4 a.m., while other bars in the state must stop serving at 2 a.m. This legislation, which is now awaiting Governor Newsom's approval, is seen as a significant benefit for the wealthy clientele of the luxury suites, which cost over $10,000 per game. The club will have a limited capacity of 100 people, making it a highly exclusive venue. The bill's sponsor, Assemblymember Tina McKinnor, argues that the extension is necessary for the competitiveness of Inglewood, despite critics claiming it undermines fairness by providing an advantage to a select few. Previous attempts to extend last call have failed, with former Governor Jerry Brown vetoing a similar bill in 2018, citing concerns over potential chaos and increased drunk driving incidents. Opponents of the new legislation, including law enforcement representatives, warn that extending alcohol sales could lead to more drunk driving accidents. However, data from other cities, such as New York, which has a 4 a.m. last call, shows lower DUI rates compared to several California cities. This raises questions about the effectiveness of the current 2 a.m. cutoff in reducing drunk driving incidents. The situation highlights a growing trend in politics where legislation appears to favor wealthy individuals, while public safety concerns are raised by those opposing such measures. The outcome of this bill could set a precedent for future alcohol-related legislation in California, particularly regarding the balance between business interests and public safety.