Bikers Be Aware: Famed Hang-out Neptune’s Net Closed by County Until New Strategy to Handle Crowds Is In Place

Since the beginning of the Covid-19 lockdown, famed biker hang-out Neptune’s Net has been at the center of local coronavirus controversy. The popular tourist destination on PCH at County Line, where Malibu meets Ventura County, has been overrun by visitors and bikers who frequent the seaside spot.

And now the County has shut them down pending a plan to control crowds is in place, following social distancing guidelines per county and state public health guidelines.

After the first photos of large crowds circulated on social media in late March showing patrons congregating en mass in the Neptune’s Net parking lot, and across PCH at the County Line surf spot, Malibu local Senator Henry Stern got involved in the efforts to collaborate with officials to promptly close down the beach and demand police presence to manage groups gathering at Neptune’s Net.

Neptune’s Net management told The Current Report they were not expecting the crowds that first weekend anticipating the public would abide by the Safer-at-Home mandates. Much to their surprise, large crowds showed up and staff was overwhelmed.

After the initial backlash on social media, efforts made by Neptune’s Net management in the following weeks was proving to be effective until the hot weather returned last weekend.

Last weekend, hundreds of bikers swarmed PCH and the owner was forced to call 911 after a large group of gangs refused to leave. Two CHP units were dispatched to the scene.

The county stepped in this week closing Neptune’s Net until an acceptable plan is put in place for their parking lot crowd control. Management is also seeking additional potentially permanent security measures to ensure the safety of their staff and law abiding customers.