Community Corner

A Sober Swallows Day Post-Report

Lt. John Meyer said the ban on beer resulted in fewer fights and arrests this year.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Patch asked Lt. John Meyer of the Orange County Sheriff's Department who serves as San Juan Capistrano's chief of police, how the Swallows Day Parade and Mercado went this year given it was the first year without a beer garden. This is what he wrote in response.

We had an outstanding Swallows Day Parade this year. The Mercado was peaceful, family friendly, and problem free. This area became a safer environment for all to enjoy after the Parade. 

The change in alcohol sales allowed Sheriff’s personnel to be dedicated to the establishments that were serving alcohol and attracting a lot of customers. Because of our increased presence at many of these establishments, there were fewer fights/altercations and associated problems. 

Find out what's happening in San Juan Capistranowith free, real-time updates from Patch.

There were three reported physical altercations at the El Adobe and one reported at the Swallow's Inn (no arrests). This is a significant decrease from prior years where there were numerous fights at many of the downtown restaurants and also in the beer garden area.

This year, agents from California State Alcohol Beverage Control were teamed up with members of the Sheriff’s Directed Enforcement Team. They conducted undercover investigations at establishments selling alcohol to ensure that state law was being adhered to. They also circulated through the downtown area on the lookout for underage drinking, severely intoxicated subjects etc…

Find out what's happening in San Juan Capistranowith free, real-time updates from Patch.

These agents and Directed Enforcement Team members issued 32 misdemeanor citations for various alcohol violations. Aside from the 32 citations issued by ABC agents and Directed Enforcement Team members, there were three arrests related to the after-parade activities (one for being drunk in public, one for trespassing at El Adobe Restaurant, and one for a minor in possession of alcohol/drinking in public).

I recognize that the change in alcohol sales was not a welcome change for all, but from the perspective of public safety, it definitely provided for a safer overall event for the entire family to enjoy. We are looking forward to another safe and successful Swallows Day next year in 2014. 

Lt. John Meyer


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here