Kids Are Banned At CA Beach Resort — Is It Legal?

ENCINITAS, CA — A resort in San Diego County recently started banning overnight guests younger than 18, raising questions about the legality of the practice, according to reports.

Alila Marea Beach Resort in Encinitas implemented the policy last month, FOX 5/KUSI reported, adding two other Alila Marea properties in California have a similar adult-focused approach.

In terms of legality, Section 51 of California’s Civil Code is written to prevent discrimination against “protected characteristics,” but does not specify age among them, the Los Angeles Times reported.

A representative of the state’s Civil Rights Department told the Times in an email that the law in regard to age “depends on the specific facts and circumstances,” while the California attorney general’s press office told the newspaper it was “unable to provide legal advice or analysis.”

Alila Marea is not alone, according to the Times, which noted several lodgings in the Palm Springs area say on their websites that they are adults only.