this is the san diego union - tribune
 
monday 's ban on drinking in the water is set to become effective immediately .
after an alcohol - fueled riot on the beach at pacific beach during labor day weekend 2008 , the council voted to impose a one - year ban on alcohol consumption on city beaches .
but there was an oversight : the ban defines " beach " as " the sand or land area bordering the water of an ocean or bay . "
police and lifeguard officials told the council that the " floatopia " parties , at which hundreds of college - age people drink while floating on rafts , inner - tubes and other devices , are a menace and could lead to drownings because of drunkenness and injuries from broken bottles .
but opponents of the ban said that further limitations on drinking could hurt tourism .
fed up with litter and drunkenness on its beaches , san diego 's city voters approved a measure to make the ban permanent .
san diego — consuming alcohol is illegal on this city 's famous beaches .