Skip to Content
Featured

Should the Venice Beach Curfew be Lifted?

As a hub for beach bums, bicyclists, street performers, vendors and tourists, it’s safe to say Venice Beach gets a significant amount of foot traffic throughout the year. But the fun usually stops at midnight, thanks to a curfew that prohibits anyone from staying in the area between midnight to 5 a.m.

A group of activists are trying to change that. Local activists want the curfew revoked so that the area can be enjoyed 24 hours a day.

Gale Holland of the Los Angeles Times points out that the root of the protest comes down to the idea that citizens shouldn’t be restricted when it comes to enjoying natural spaces.

The lawsuit characterized walking by the waves or star-gazing as a fundamental right.

“An individual's right to unobstructed access to the ocean, beaches and waterways has been recognized since the ancient laws of the Roman Empire,” the suit said.

The suit also contends that the city is wasting taxpayer money by enforcing the curfew law and seeks fees for plaintiffs' counsel, the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles and the law firm Sheppard Mullin.

But the intention behind the curfew has more to do with crime and the homeless population. An attempt to keep crime rates lower, the curfew at least discourages some from spending time at the beach after-hours.

Yard2Yard_VeniceBeach (24 of 26)

Yet crime incidents happen near the beach at all hours. Earlier this year a shooting occurred early in the morning, leaving one 26-year-old homeless man dead. Like any other highly-populated area in the city, crime is bound to happen no matter the time of day. But it will prove difficult to reverse a curfew that dates as far back as 1989. For now, the ball is in the city’s court in regards to whether the curfew stays or goes.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from L.A. TACO

Six Musical Legends You Forgot Are From South L.A.

While the world may be familiar with the South Los Angeles roots of Dr. Dre, Serena Williams, Kendrick, and Flo-Jo, numerous musical legends people forget come from the city's heart. That’s why L.A. TACO is here to remind you of some musical legends from South L.A. 

May 16, 2025

‘Deportation Set Me Free:’ Deported Influencer Is Building Community and Thriving In Mexico

"I view the U.S. as a golden cage with many of our immigrant brothers and sisters trapped inside a system out of fear of the unknown in their home countries," says Anni Garcia, an influencer who has been documenting herself thriving in Jalisco.  

May 16, 2025

This SELA Taquería Cooks Its Tacos Straight In The Fire…

This weekend, we're also pointing you, loyal L.A. TACO members, to pho brisket tacos, a secret Beirut sandwich spot, and a new noodle shop in Venice from a winner of The Great Food Truck Race.

May 16, 2025

The People of Los Angeles Can Finally Go Back to Therapy

If you are one of the 4.9 million Kaiser Permanente members in Southern California who have been unable to see your regular therapist since mental health workers began striking in October 2024, the good news is that the strike is finally over.

May 15, 2025

A Running List of Mom N’ Pop Businesses In Danger Of Closing That Need Community Support Right Now

It feels like almost every other month, we hear about a business closing its doors or attempting to stay open. To help these businesses stay open rather than report on them once they’ve closed, we created this ongoing list of restaurants and businesses in Los Angeles that need the most support. Did we miss any? Let us know which ones also need love in the comments.

May 15, 2025
See all posts