Long Beach City Council Considers Curfew and Safety Measures for Belmont Shore

Belmont Shore Crime Concerns

• ⚠️ Belmont Shore, a popular nightlife destination in Long Beach, is experiencing a spike in violent crimes, including shootings and stabbings.
• 🌃 Residents and business owners describe the area, particularly Second Street, as having become chaotic and perilous, with issues like public drinking, noise violations, and robberies.

Proposed Safety Improvements

• ⚖️ The Long Beach City Council is considering a package of safety improvements to address the growing violence.
• curfew would cut off alcohol service at midnight instead of 2:00 AM.
• 👮 Other proposed measures include DUI checkpoints, increased police patrols, consistent enforcement of ordinances against open containers and illegal pop-up food stands, and reestablishing a police substation.

Public and Official Reactions

• 🗣️ Residents are demanding change, citing incidents like a fatal shooting after a bar fight and a daylight robbery where victims were attacked.
• 📉 Despite a reported reduction in violent crime numbers by the Long Beach Police Chief, the perception of safety remains a concern, even for the Mayor.

Council Vote and Next Steps

• 📊 The City Council voted to study the costs associated with these proposed crackdowns and safety measures.
• 🗓️ Officials have 45 days to report back on the costs for Belmont Shore improvements and 90 days for city-wide measures.
• 🤝 In addition, bar owners on Second Street are voluntarily agreeing to close at midnight for a 30-day trial period.