Update (2/3/25): The Inglewood City Council has scheduled a public hearing on February 25, 2025, to discuss extending alcohol sales at Intuit Dome.

(Original article begins below.)

The city of Inglewood in Southern California may soon become the first place in the state to allow the sale of alcohol between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m.  But there’s a catch—only one place in town will be eligible to make those after hours sales: Inglewood's new arena, known as Intuit Dome, home of the Los Angeles Clippers.

In 2024, the California legislature passed Assembly Bill 3206 (AB 3206), a law that carves out an exception to the longstanding Alcoholic Beverage Control Act. The Act prohibited the sale of alcohol between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m., but now AB 3206 extends those hours with some very specific conditions.

Key Differences from the Original Law

Under California’s Alcoholic Beverage Control Act, any sale or consumption of alcohol between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. is a misdemeanor statewide. The passage of AB 3206 changes that by allowing liquor sales until 4 a.m., but only at “a fully enclosed arena with seating capacity of at least 18,000 seats located in the City of Inglewood.”  The single venue that meets those conditions is Intuit Dome.

The new law, signed by Governor Gavin Newsom, introduces a pilot program that supporters say will test the feasibility of extended alcohol service. Owners of other venues are watching closely.

The next move is up to the Inglewood City Council which must approve the plan before it moves forward. The council is scheduled to vote January 28th on whether to hold a public hearing on the matter in February.

The Intuit Dome’s Role

The Intuit Dome, a cutting-edge sports and entertainment venue owned by billionaire Steve Ballmer, is central to the implementation of AB 3206. Scheduled to host the 2026 NBA All-Star Game and the 2028 Olympics, the Dome represents a potentially lucrative testing ground.

Ballmer, who invested $2 billion of his own money into the Dome’s construction and pledged $100 million to community projects in Inglewood, has been a vocal proponent of innovation and exclusivity at the venue.

During a January 14, 2025, meeting, the Inglewood Planning Commission gave preliminary approval to extend VIP alcohol service at the Dome, subject to the conditions outlined in AB 3206. The venue's advanced technology, including facial ID systems, has been highlighted as a tool to ensure compliance and safety.

Proponents, including Ballmer’s ownership group, view this as an opportunity to elevate the guest experience while providing data for future statewide legislation. However, the bill’s narrow application to the Intuit Dome has fueled criticism of favoritism, given Ballmer’s considerable influence and prior political connections.

Critics Slam AB 3206 for Favoring Wealthy Elites

AB 3206 has sparked significant criticism, with detractors highlighting what they perceive as blatant favoritism toward wealthy individuals and corporations. While restaurant and bar owners have long lobbied for extended alcohol service hours to boost their businesses, such efforts have repeatedly failed in the face of opposition from law enforcement and public safety advocates.

In a scathing LA Times opinion piece, Sean McMorris, a transparency and ethics expert with Common Cause California, was quoted as saying AB 3206 "...exemplifies the disproportionate influence of wealthy individuals and corporations on the legislative process.”

Critics have also pointed out that Steve Ballmer's wife, Connie Ballmer, was a major donor to Newsom’s campaign to fend off a recall, raising questions about whether political connections played a role in the bill’s passage.

While proponents of AB 3206 tout the potential economic and cultural benefits for Inglewood, many see the legislation as emblematic of a political system that privileges the powerful over the average Californian.

Public Health and Safety Concerns

Governor Newsom has voiced concerns over the potential risks of extending alcohol service hours, particularly the likelihood of increased DUI incidents.

In response, he directed the California Highway Patrol to monitor DUI-related crashes in the area and compile reports to inform future decisions. AB 3206’s built-in sunset clause, set for January 1, 2030, ensures the program remains temporary unless extended by the legislature.

If the venue does begin extended hours alcohol sales it must notify local law enforcement, obtain city and state permits, and submit annual reports evaluating public safety impacts, including DUI incidents and crime rates.

The law also requires sales be confined to private, controlled spaces; staff must complete Responsible Beverage Service training; and sales are limited to hours following major events.

Supporters argue the program will be tightly regulated to minimize risk, while critics worry about fairness, the strain on public safety resources, and the potential for unintended consequences.

A Test Case for Broader Policy Change

If the Inglewood City Council approves this pilot program, it could serve as a case study for how California might navigate the balance between innovation in entertainment and protecting community well-being. Future coverage will explore the Intuit Dome’s advanced design and how it is shaping this groundbreaking policy.