San Diego tries ban on beach booze

San Diego -- The San Diego City Council has approved a one-year ban on drinking at public beaches and in coastal parks.

Many residents who like to watch the sun set into the Pacific while sipping wine oppose the ban. But council members were inspired to act by a fracas on Labor Day between beer drinking college students and police, The San Diego Union-Tribune reported.

Councilwoman Donna Frye said San Diego's image is now as "the place to come and get drunk."

During a four-hour debate on the bill Monday night, one pro-ban group showed videotape of a "beer luge" -- beer poured down an ice block and into the throats of waiting students -- and of students with hoses in their mouths.

"This is not a good picture for our community," Frye said.

The council approved bans on beach boozing in 1991 and 2002 but later reversed itself.

© 2007 United Press International.