The City of Inglewood will soon give the public a say on whether Intuit Dome, home of the Los Angeles Clippers, should become the only venue in California to allow alcohol sales after 2 a.m.

The Inglewood City Council has scheduled a public hearing on the proposal for February 25, 2025. The move follows the passage of a new state law that would create a pilot program for limited after-hours liquor sales at Intuit Dome.

Before the pilot program can start, the city council must approve a zoning code amendment to allow alcohol sales at Intuit between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m. Everywhere else in California, the law requires liquor sales stop at 2 a.m. and can not resume until 6 a.m.

How Residents Can Weigh In

With the public hearing set for February 25, 2025, at 2 p.m., residents and business owners in Inglewood now have an opportunity to provide feedback on the proposal. Those wishing to share their thoughts can do so in the following ways:

• Attend the public hearing in person: The meeting will take place at Inglewood City Hall.
• Submit written comments: Residents can email or mail their opinions to the City Clerk’s office before the hearing.
• Speak at the meeting: Public comments will be heard before the council votes on the amendment.

The hearing could play a crucial role in determining whether the state law extending liquor sales at Intuit Dome will be enacted, potentially setting a precedent that could influence future state policies.

Potential Implications and Ongoing Debate

The author of the state law that would extend alcohol sales hours at Intuit is Assemblymember Tina McKinnor who represents the Inglewood area. She argues the measure would be good for the local economy by "providing a boost to arena operators, vendors, and surrounding businesses."

However, the proposal has been met with criticism, with some opponents arguing it unfairly benefits billionaire Clippers owner Steve Ballmer, while excluding other businesses. Ballmer's wife is a major donor to California Governor Gavin Newsom.

In addition, public safety concerns—including potential increases in DUI incidents—remain a significant point of contention. The governor has directed the California Highway Patrol to monitor alcohol-related incidents in the area should the extended sales hours go into effect.

Final Thoughts

The upcoming February 25 hearing provides an opportunity for residents to share their perspectives before any final decisions are made.

Those interested in supporting or opposing the measure are encouraged to participate in the public hearing or submit their feedback ahead of time. The decision made in the coming weeks could have lasting impacts on Inglewood’s nightlife, public safety, and business landscape.