Malibu Restaurant Accused Of Charging For Beach Access

MALIBU (AP) — The operators of the Paradise Cove restaurant in Malibu came under investigation again for charging people access to its nearby public beach and pier.

The Los Angeles Times reports state regulators began investigating last month complaints from beachgoers that the restaurant was charging $20 "daily beach club membership" fee to access the shore.

The California Coastal Commission threatened in a June 16 letter to Kissel Co., which operates as Paradise Cove Land Co., to impose up to $11,250 in fines per day for blocking public access.

A message seeking comment from the company has not been returned Saturday.

In 2014, the commission sent a letter telling the company it was violating state law by posting signs banning surfing and surfboards and closing the pier behind a locked gate.

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