A newly formed coalition of Belmont Shore nightlife operators says more than 1,000 Long Beach residents have signed a petition supporting licensed bars along 2nd Street as city leaders continue discussions surrounding late-night operations and public safety in the area.
Operating under the banner of the Long Beach Hospitality Alliance (LBHA), business owners from Panama Joe’s, DOGZ Bar & Grill, Shannon’s Bayshore, and Legends announced that 1,080 residents have thus far signed a petition backing responsible nightlife operations while urging the City to focus enforcement efforts on unregulated street activity occurring after businesses close. The petition is expected to be submitted ahead of the February 27 public comment deadline tied to ongoing policy conversations in Long Beach.
“2nd Street works because it is active and welcoming with a variety of businesses that locals and visitors enjoy,” said Legends co-owner Eric Joynson. “Responsible nightlife supports the restaurants here, retail, and tourism. The City should work with businesses that play by the rules.”
Long Beach Hospitality Alliance’s stance: More policing the streets, not well-operated businesses.
“We have been part of this neighborhood for decades, and we take that role seriously,” said Shannon’s Bayshore owner Ron Hodges. “We support practical safety solutions—our security pats down everyone who comes in—but they need to address the unregulated street activity, not businesses that already follow strict rules.”
According to the coalition, recent scrutiny of Belmont Shore nightlife stems largely from an October incident that resulted in a fatal shooting on 2nd Street—an incident they emphasize occurred outside and after bars had already closed, not inside licensed establishments. LBHA members argue that their businesses operate under strict alcohol-service regulations—including ID checks, controlled service, and monitored closing procedures—while much of the activity raising concern occurs in public spaces beyond their control.
Owners point to a voluntary 30-day midnight closure agreement that began in November 2025 as evidence of good-faith cooperation. While intended to demonstrate compliance and encourage dialogue, the reduced hours created significant financial strain, affecting more than 200 hospitality workers—many of whom live locally and rely on Belmont Shore’s evening economy. Even with earlier shutdowns, owners report that unauthorized vendors, open containers, and amplified street gatherings continued well into the night, reinforcing their belief that enforcement gaps—not bar operations—remain the central issue.
The same sentiment is echoed by business owners across Belmont Shore
“We operate under strict rules every night,” said Greg Newman of Panama Joe’s. “We check IDs, control service, and close responsibly. Theproblems people are worried about are happening outside after we shut down. Enforcement should focus where the issues are actually occurring.”
Business leaders across the coalition echoed a shared message: licensed venues are not opposing safety reforms but advocating for targeted solutions. DOGZ Bar & Grill’s Rob Frontino pointed toward the corridor’s longstanding role as one of Long Beach’s most active economic and social hubs—hence the need for better patrolling beyond the doors of businesses.
Ultimately, the LBHA says its goal is collaboration, not confrontation. The coalition maintains that Belmont Shore’s vitality depends on balancing public safety with the preservation of locally owned businesses and the jobs they sustain. With public comment now closing, the petition effort represents what operators describe as a clear signal from residents who want solutions that address unlawful street activity while allowing regulated nightlife to continue operating responsibly.
