City to consider new Entertainment Zones in Sacramento where public drinking is allowed at events
SACRAMENTO, Calif. —
For the third time in a little more than a year, Sacramento’s City Council is set to take action on a new round of proposed Entertainment Zones in the city where people can drink alcohol outdoors during special events.
During Tuesday’s afternoon session, the Council will consider passing a motion to bypass its Law and Legislation Committee, review an ordinance to amend a city code and to pass for publication the ordinance title as required by law for consideration on Sept. 15, 2026, according to an agenda posted online.
The goal is to “create engaging and impactful destinations that encourage local economic growth, while enhancing the experience for residents and visitors,” a city staff report says. “They activate commercial corridors to attract people to an area, increase economic activity, and enhance a city’s reputation as a vibrant cultural hub.”
In 2025, the city created its first entertainment zones, allowing to-go alcoholic beverages to be sold and consumed in outdoor public spaces for the Rainbow Festival and Terra Madre Americas event at the Convention Center.
“Cities that thrive have a vibrant social economy. Participation in activations by bars and restaurants could provide significant benefits to businesses, including increasing the length of stay per guest and dollars spent per guest,” according to an economic impact section of the staff report.”
The proposed entertainment zones:
9th and I Street Entertainment Zone: 9th to 10th Street, I to J Street14th and Broadway Entertainment Zone: 9th to 19th Street, X Street to Burnett Way24th and Broadway Entertainment Zone: 20th to 28th Street, X Street to 1st Avenue24th and K Street Entertainment Zone: 23rd to 25th Street, Jazz to Kayak AlleyArena Entertainment Zone: 3rd to 7th Street, J to L StreetOak Park Triangle Entertainment Zone: 34th to 36th Street, 2nd to 4th Avenue
“Staff received requests to add entertainment zones in downtown, midtown, Broadway, and Oak Park areas. These new entertainment zones will expand opportunities beyond the central city. Benefits will include increased income for bars and restaurants; economic stimulus for neighboring businesses, and increased enjoyment of events by residents and visitors,” read the staff report.
The item will be considered as part of the Consent Calendar during the 2 p.m. meeting.
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