Bars in Long Beach's Belmont Shore to close earlier for 30 days amid safety concerns

BELMONT SHORE, LONG BEACH (KABC) -- There's a new push to increase public safety in the Belmont Shore neighborhood in Long Beach and bars have agreed to do their part.

For the next 30 days, bars in the area will now close early at midnight.

Dozens of community members attended a City Council meeting Tuesday night to voice their concerns.

"The wall of my house has been smashed through by a drunken driver," said Michael Anderson. "We've had a light pole next to the house knocked over by a drunken driver. "

"Stabbings, fights, now it's murders. And it's my kids that I'm fighting for," one woman told the council.

Bar staff from local bars also attended Tuesday's meeting and said they are willing to take a financial hit by closing early in the name of safety.

The area, which was once mostly retail stores and restaurants, has transformed into a late-night bar scene that is often rowdy and has even turned violent.

Last month, a 32-year-old father was gunned down just after 1:30 a.m. outside a bar in the area.

Some residents don't think the 30-day change is enough.

"I think it's insufficient," said Michele Simon. "I mean, we've had three murders over the span of 18 months. So what are they gonna say? 'Well no murders in a month so back to 2 a.m.'"