California Governor Gavin Newsom has approved a new law that allows a private, members-only club in the LA Clippers’ cutting-edge arena to serve alcohol until 4 a.m. This marks a significant shift from the state’s standard last call of 2 a.m.
Under this new regulation, approximately 100 members will enjoy extended hours for wine, beer, and liquor in exclusive suites at the Intuit Dome following games and concerts.
This legislation was backed by a group associated with Steve Ballmer, the Clippers’ owner and former Microsoft CEO. Notably, Ballmer financed the construction of the Intuit Dome, while his wife, Connie Ballmer, contributed $1 million to Newsom’s campaign in 2021 to counter a recall election. Reports indicate that Ballmer’s group also invested around $220,000 this year to influence lawmakers regarding this and other legislative proposals.
The measure has faced scrutiny from critics, including ethics experts, who argue it creates a special privilege for a major donor’s family member.
John Pelissero, director of government ethics at Santa Clara University, expressed concern, stating, “This will likely become a talking point for Newsom’s opponents, highlighting favoritism towards a wealthy sports franchise owner and its affluent patrons.”
In response, Newsom’s spokesperson, Izzy Gardon, emphasized that the Governor evaluates each piece of legislation based solely on its merits.
This is not the first time the governor has faced backlash for granting exceptions to specific groups. He faced criticism for attending a birthday celebration at the upscale French Laundry restaurant in 2020, contradicting the public health guidelines he promoted during the pandemic.
This new law allowing extended alcohol service for private club members comes after years of California lawmakers attempting to expand last call hours in select cities. Other states, like New York and Tennessee, have already enacted similar laws permitting later serving times.
Republican state Senator Kelly Seyarto criticized the measure, stating, “If extending drinking hours to 4 a.m. is beneficial for exclusive groups, it should be available to everyone. Frankly, I believe it’s not good for anyone.”
As of now, representatives for Steve Ballmer have not responded to inquiries regarding the legislation and its potential implications.
The Intuit Dome opened in August, featuring 18,000 seats, and is set to host the 2026 NBA All-Star Game, along with serving as the basketball venue for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
In his signing message, Newsom indicated that he would instruct the California Highway Patrol to collaborate with local police to monitor incidents of drunken driving in the vicinity and report their findings to lawmakers for further evaluation.
Acknowledging the potential risks associated with extending alcohol service hours, Newsom stated, “I am aware of the public safety concerns that could arise from this change, particularly regarding driving under the influence and related accidents.”
