SAN DIEGO -- This weekend will be the second Fourth of July holiday since the city of San Diego's beach alcohol ban took effect in early 2008, and many businesses in the beach area have noticed several changes due to the ban.

The big, gray castle of Mission Beach known as Hamel's has been the spot to watch the beach and people for 42 years.

Charlie Shaw has helped his son run the business, now called Mission Beach Surf and Skate, for 8 years.

Shaw said he has seen plenty of problems with alcohol at the beach, but said it is different now.

"Just a lot calmer, mellow, more family positive; it's just … everybody's having a good time," said Shaw.

Many people said when the alcohol went away, more families started showing up.

"People come here and they bring their kids and they feel more comfortable, and there's not that undertone of violence," said Shaw.

It was violence on Labor Day 2007 at Pacific Beach that got the movement going for a ban on alcohol.

"We actually don't make many arrests anymore for being drunk in public. There are fewer citations for alcohol violations compared to previous years. The atmosphere is very welcoming, it's very relaxed," said Capt. Shelley Zimmerman of the San Diego Police Department.

Zimmerman estimated that arrests for being drunk in public are down as much as 60 percent since the ban took affect.

People still bring coolers to the beach but inside may be fruit, fruit juice, mayonnaise and other items, but no beer.

Shaw said business is about the same as before the ban, but the atmosphere is nowhere near what it used to be.

"People leave the beach and they've been drinking, they cause problems in the stores. It's just so much more mellow here now," said Shaw.

Many people told 10News that they would like to drink a beer responsibly or have a glass of wine at sunset on the beach.

Shaw said he understands, but also added that the irresponsible drinkers ruined things for everyone.

This holiday weekend, with no booze, police said they expect 1 million people at city beaches and bays.

Police will be out in force in those areas, focusing on traffic, parking and loud parties.