Mayor Bob Filner is scheduled to announce Thursday that he will issue permits for next month's Over-the-Line tournament, despite legal action against the long-standing San Diego tradition.
FreePB.org, a group that opposes the city's ban on alcohol on city-run beaches, sued the city earlier this month, claiming it is playing favorite with permits.
The organization, which has staged drinking-oriented events at Mission Bay in the past, has been unable to obtain city permits. Its leaders point to heavy alcohol consumption at OTL, which is staged on Fiesta Island.
The 60th annual tournament, scheduled to take place July 13-14 and July 20-21, features thousands of three-person teams playing a modified form of softball.
The event is famous for beer drinking, scantily clad female spectators and lewd, but frequently clever, team names.
Filner's office said he will issue the permits to the OTL organizers, the Old Mission Beach Athletic Club, because of the traditional nature of the event.
