[LB Lesbian & Gay Pride text] Long Beach Lesbian & Gay Pride, Inc. as the producers of the Annual Pride Celebration considers the safety of those in attendance as a priority. With an event of this magnitude come many responsibilities and at the top of the list is a responsible alcohol distribution practice.
In a press release by the Long Beach Police Department dated 5/20/2014, subject titled "Over 60 Cited In Undercover Operation" it mentioned citations issued related to alcohol related crimes. It made reference that a "Minor Decoy" operation was conducted at the Pride Festival May 17 and 18, 2014. This may have mislead those reading the press release to think all of these citations were issued inside the Pride Celebration, when in fact they were issued to persons in the adjacent parking structures, along the parade route and city streets.
Long Beach Lesbian & Gay Pride, Inc. was informed by an Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) representative that no citations were issued inside this year's Pride Celebration. Long Beach Pride has always been proactive in addressing concerns by City Agencies and ABC. This year, in order to add another layer of security Long Beach Pride contracted guards that were trained in the Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) program approved by ABC. These guards completed the RBS training and staffed all the 21 and over wrist banding stations at this year's Pride Celebration.
The beverage stations that failed in the decoy operation are of great concern to our leadership team and will be discussed further in the post event meeting with City Agencies and ABC where all details will be made available to us. Long Beach Lesbian & Gay Pride, Inc. has and will continue to work with City and Federal Agencies to ensure that the laws governing alcohol sales and consumption are strictly enforced.
We look forward to working closely with the City of Long Beach, Federal Agencies and Alcohol Beverage Control to insure that next year's Pride Celebration meets the required regulations. We will continue to seek the advice and participate in all training from Alcohol Beverage Control and the City of Long Beach to have responsible alcoholic beverage service systems in place.
