To: The California State House, The California State Senate, and Governor Gavin Newsom

STOP CA. BILL SB58 FROM EXTENDING HOURS OF BARS AND LIQUOR STORES TO FOUR AM

With drug and alcohol abuse already at crisis levels, California does not need to extend the hours of alcohol sales and consumption from 2 AM to 4 AM. It's irresponsible, creates more alcohol-related injuries and death and puts the profits of the liquor industry above the health, safety and well being of our communities. This is an all-out lobbying effort by the alcohol industry to maximize profits regardless of the anticipated consequences to the public.

Why is this important?

SB58 is a bill currently in the California Senate Appropriations Committee that will extend the sale of alcohol in a nine cities pilot program between the hours of 2 AM and 4 AM. The program is for seven years. This will mean that bars and liquor stores can legally continue to serve their customers for an additional two hours every night. It is predictable that In many cases people who are under the influence will be driving home after two additional hours of consumption creating more accidents, injuries, and loss of life. The nine cities selected were specifically targeted because they have some of the highest rates of alcoholism in the state. This is not New York where people take car services, cabs, the subway or walk. In California, we drive! Please help us stop the insane policy that puts liquor profits before the wellbeing of its voters. Your constituents are watching.