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Safety & Local Rules: Beach Fires, Alcohol Zones, Scams to Avoid

Los Angeles is rolling out special ordinances for LA28, from beach bonfire permits to expanded alcohol zones. This guide keeps you informed so you can cheer stress-free.

Quick safety snapshot#

• Keep ID on you at all times; security checkpoints at venues and fan zones require it.
• Register valuables (phone, laptop) with your device’s “Find My” feature before arrival.
• Use official ticket vendors—LA28, Ticketmaster Verified, or your country’s NOC—avoid Craigslist and marketplace resellers.
• Bookmark LAPD’s Olympic command center hotline and local urgent care near your hotel.

Beach & boardwalk rules#

• Bonfires: Allowed only in designated fire rings (Dockweiler, Bolsa Chica, Huntington). No portable pits on LA County beaches.
• Alcohol: Public drinking remains illegal. Santa Monica Pier and Venice Boardwalk are zero-tolerance zones during the Games.
• Scooters: Ride only in bike lanes or the boardwalk “bike only” path. Scooters must be parked in LA28 corrals or you’ll incur a $25 fee.
• Surf & swim: Respect lifeguard flags. Red = dangerous surf, Yellow = caution. Sign up for alert texts via LA County Lifeguards for venue-day conditions.

Planning a waterfront day? Consult our Venice & Santa Monica itinerary for compliant fun.

Nightlife & hospitality rules#

• Bars close at 2 a.m. unless part of an approved LA28 late-night program—check signage.
• Carry a digital copy of your passport/ID; some venues require physical ID regardless of age.
• Hospitality houses hosted by national teams follow local laws—no re-entry with drinks and bag checks apply.
• Use the “Ask for Angela” code phrase in bars if you need discreet help from staff.

Pair your evenings with the trustworthy venues outlined in our DTLA dining guide.

Transit & rideshare safety#

• Only board licensed taxis or app rides at official pickup zones—see our rideshare guide for lot codes.
• On Metro, keep backpacks zipped and hold phones with both hands near doors.
• Travel in pairs late at night; Metro and LA28 volunteers can escort you to parking lots or stations.
• If something feels off, text “LA28” + details to 818-873-0010 (Olympic command center).

Scams to avoid#

• Ticket resales: If a deal seems too good, it is. Use the LA28 transfer portal for official exchanges.
• Fake merch: Only buy from licensed vendors with holographic tags. Unapproved stands risk confiscation.
• ATM card skimmers: Use indoor ATMs at banks/hotels; inspect the reader before inserting your card.
• Vacation rental cons: Book through verified platforms with payment protection. Cross-reference with LA’s home-sharing registry.

Emergency & healthcare cheat sheet#

• Dial 911 for emergencies, 311 for city services, 1-877-ASK-LAPD for non-urgent police assistance.
• Urgent care clusters: Exer Urgent Care (Santa Monica), USC Keck Downtown (near Coliseum), Kaiser South Bay (SoFi).
• Pharmacies with late hours: CVS (Figueroa & 7th), Walgreens (Lincoln & Venice), Rite Aid (Anaheim Resort).

FAQs#

Q: Can I fly a drone during the Games?
A: No. Temporary flight restrictions cover all Olympic venues and fan zones. Fines run up to $30,000 with potential equipment confiscation.

Q: What’s the best way to report lost property?
A: File through the LA28 Lost & Found portal and notify venue security immediately. Keep serial numbers for electronics in a note or email.