Why Public Drinking May Be—Moderately—Encouraged in San Clemente

Why Public Drinking May Be—Moderately—Encouraged in San Clemente
People have a picnic in a park in Melbourne on Oct. 18, 2020, as the state government announced a lifting of some COVID-19 restrictions. William West/AFP via Getty Images
Jack Bradley
Updated:

Enjoying a glass of wine with a meal is typically a luxury restricted to restaurants and private homes, but given the ongoing COVID-19 restrictions, San Clemente is making it easier to indulge elsewhere.

Its city council unanimously decided during a Jan. 19 meeting to extend permission to its residents to consume alcohol in public. The emergency order is meant to enhance outdoor dining, support small businesses, and boost mental health.