FRESNO, Calif. (FOX26) — Downtown Fresno visitors will soon be able to take alcoholic drinks with them as they walk around during certain special events, under a new city ordinance creating designated “entertainment zones.”
Fresno city leaders unanimously approved the change this month, allowing event hosts to request a permit that would let people carry alcoholic drinks within three different zones downtown during permitted events.
Downtown Fresno visitors will soon be able to take alcoholic drinks with them as they walk around during certain special events, under a new city ordinance creating designated “entertainment zones” (FOX26).
City leaders said the goal is to promote community and support local businesses, though some neighbors and workers have raised concerns about safety and past problems tied to alcohol.
“Those who are in the area that are carrying a cup would be required to have a wristband and some kind of identification showing that that particular person had been IDed so that there is an understanding of who is allowed to carry a cup within the right-of-way,” Jennifer Clark. Fresno director of planning and development, said.
Some neighbors said the ordinance could help downtown.
“I think it’s gonna be great overall, because it’s going to give our police officers hours. It’s going to give businesses money. It’s going to bring the culture together.\,” Delilah Melendez, a Fresno neighbor, said. “It’s just overall a great experience. I think it’s positive.”
Others opposed the plan, writing letters to city leaders that cited violent memories from past events such as “ArtHop” and deaths caused by drunk drivers.
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Others opposed the plan, writing letters to city leaders that cited violent memories from past events such as “ArtHop” and deaths caused by drunk drivers.
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Gloria Villafana, a bartender at a restaurant located in one of the zones, said she sees potential benefits and risks.
“Honestly, it could be good or bad. It will bring more people out here because downtown it is kind of something to hit and miss,” Villafana said. “But I feel like it might cause a little bit drama because of all the liquor, all the alcohol out there.”
City leaders said there would be an appropriate law enforcement presence during events, and event planners would have entertainment zone “leads” overseeing the areas.
Councilmember Miguel Arias, who represents Fresno’s District Three, also emphasized that family-focused events still require adult supervision for minors.
“We are creating events as a city for the whole family. It doesn’t mean you get to send your teenager and all his friends without adult supervision. We’re not babysitters,” Arias said.
Only nearby businesses will be allowed to sell alcohol when an entertainment zone is active for an event; temporary vendor tents will not be allowed to sell alcohol.
The zones will be tested for a year, after which the City Council will decide whether to continue them. City leaders said permits must be obtained through the city manager’s office.
The three entertainment zones are:
Zone A: Fulton Street, from the south edge of Inyo Street to the north edge of Mono Street.Zone B: Fulton Street, from Fresno Street to Mono Street, including portions of Mariposa Street and Kern Street connecting to Fulton.Zone C: Extends along Fulton, including the area east to H Street, running from roughly Inyo to Mono.