The beer bill quickly gained attention this year as students and the community could purchase alcohol at the Bakersfield College Memorial Stadium for events.
Public schools in California are usually not permitted to sell alcohol. The legislative counsel’s digest from Assembly Bill No. 2094 states, “The Legislature finds and declares that a special statute is necessary… because of the unique operation of Memorial Stadium at Bakersfield College to hold large sporting and community events.”
Assembly Bill 2094 was approved for Bakersfield College on Sept. 6, 2024 as Congressman Vince Fong hopes it brings revenue to the school. Jocelyn Arambulo, a student at BC, said “I think it is a great idea, I cannot wait to purchase a beer.”
The executive director of college safety, Joseph Grubbs, was able to provide some information. “We do not have all the answers yet. We will figure it out as we move forward,” he said. Regarding revenue, Grubbs was unsure of how that would turn out but hopes the bill approval is able to bring more people into the games.
Once permits are received, vendors will be able to sell alcohol. Only beer will be available for purchase and outside alcohol will not be allowed into the stadium. Grubbs mentioned that the approval is only for the stadium so other sports outside of that would most likely not have alcohol.
The beer bill came with concerns about underage drinking. A valid ID will be required to purchase alcohol. Identification, like wristbands or stamps, to distinguish the crowd’s ages is also to be determined.
Grubbs stated, “A con would be that people becoming intoxicated is always a negative.”
The office of student life will be the department to handle any disciplinary issues. Students are always encouraged to stay safe and remember that they are on school grounds. Bakersfield Police Department would be present at games as an extra precaution. The athletics department was unable to comment on the bill matter. There is a possibility that the school will have a designated Uber/Lyft drop off and pick up.