Alcohol

Huntington Beach's top newsmaker of 2011 wasn't a person or an organization, but rather a controlled substance. Throughout the year, the Independent's front page featured more drinks than a typical bachelor party. Statistics showed Huntington at the top of California cities its size in alcohol-related car accidents. State officials investigated a popular restaurant that had been tied to a large number of DUIs. Residents incited a hearing on whether downtown could have one more liquor-serving license.

A downtown hamburger joint wants a permit to sell beer and wine but wants to keep its 2 a.m. closing time — a conflict with a City Council resolution put in place to curb alcohol-related problems in the downtown bar scene. Bomburger Restaurant , 200 Main St., petitioned the Planning Commission for a conditional use permit to sell beer and wine in its restaurant and outdoor dining area. The restaurant, which serves burgers, fries and onion rings, is expanding its menu and wants to introduce alcohol with the change, according to the restaurant's permit application.

An autopsy report on a Huntington Beach woman killed in an Oct. 7 crash on Adams Avenue in Costa Mesa showed she was drunk and had traces of marijuana in her blood, authorities said Tuesday. Sarah Noel Harris’ blood-alcohol level was .14, above the legal limit of .08, according to the Orange County Coroner’s toxicology test. Examiners said the marijuana detected in Harris’ blood might not have affected her driving. It all depends on how long the drug was in her system.

A downtown burger joint withdrew its application to serve alcohol Monday night following a dispute between a council member and the head of a community group fighting the number of alcohol licenses in the area. Bomburger's decision to rescind its alcohol license application didn't stop Councilman Keith Bohr from criticizing the Downtown Residents Assn., which is against the over-saturation of alcohol licenses in downtown, and its highly visible spokesman, Kim Kramer. The alcohol license application for Bomburger was up for discussion Monday.

I am writing this in response to the front page article June 9 regarding the possible approval of an expanded ABC license for a local business in the downtown Huntington Beach area ( "ABC officials approve license" . I fully agree with the ABC officials in their determination to allow this restaurant to provide patrons with a drink with their dinner. It was noted by the agency and the local police that there has never been any trouble at this location. The continued efforts of a few vocal dissenters to disrupt the business and practices of the merchants and restaurants downtown do not reflect their previously stated goals of having a balanced and profitable downtown.

A planned 7-Eleven store in downtown Huntington Beach has applied for a license to sell beer and wine, causing some to protest another business selling alcohol in the DUI-plagued neighborhood. A Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control spokesman confirmed that the mini mart, which the company hopes to open at the Plaza Almeria complex at 301 Main St., applied for a license May 17. Residents have until the end of June to send protests or other input to the department.

The attorney of the waitress accused of selling cocaine to undercover officers at a downtown Huntington Beach restaurant and bar said he has evidence the officers bought her drinks and got her heavily intoxicated before getting information from her. Ron Chrislip, representing Brynn Ashley Boucher, asked an Orange County Superior Court judge Tuesday to extend the court date pending a request to the Police Department for any tape recordings of...

Amid ongoing concern about drinking problems in Huntington Beach, a group of restaurant owners has banded together to form a nonprofit to lead classes in how to serve alcohol responsibly. Marco Perry, general manager of the Shorebreak Hotel, announced last week the formation of the Surf City Food and Beverage Marketing Assn., which would train bar and restaurant employees to identify customers who have had too much to drink and explain the legal consequences of serving intoxicated patrons.

Huntington Beach approved the request of a downtown restaurant owner who had a public battle with a local activist for wanting to serve alcohol in his outdoor dining area. Zoning Administrator Ricky Ramos on June 1 allowed Alessandro Pirozzi, Cucina Alessá's owner, to extend his alcohol services to customers dining on his patio, Associate Planner Tess Nguyen said. The decision can be appealed to the Planning Commission no later than 10 days from the date of approval.

A downtown restaurant owner who had a public battle with a local activist for wanting to serve alcohol in his outdoor dining area may soon get what he wants. Huntington Beach Zoning Administrator Ricky Ramos was expected to determine Wednesday whether Alessandro Pirozzi, Cucina Alessa's owner, can extend his alcohol services to customers dining on his patio. The public meeting was scheduled for 1:30 p.m. at City Hall. Staff is recommending approval of Pirozzi's request, saying it does not conflict with city policy.