The proposal follows state legislation (SB 969) that allows cities across California to establish entertainment zones.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The Sacramento City Council could approve changes next week to its entertainment zone ordinance, opening two new areas where people can legally drink outdoors during permitted events.
The proposed new zones include the 17th and R Street Entertainment Zone, spanning 16th to 18th streets from Quill Alley to S Street, and the Handle District Entertainment Zone, covering 18th, 19th, Capitol and L streets.
If approved, the areas would join three existing entertainment zones at 20th and K streets, Ali Youssefi Square and the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center. In these areas, visitors can buy “to-go” alcoholic drinks from participating businesses and consume them in designated outdoor spaces during special events.
The proposal follows state legislation (SB 969) that allows cities across California to establish entertainment zones. Each zone must include a management plan outlining safety, security, and operations, including ID verification, restricted hours and boundaries for alcohol consumption.
City staff said the zones have helped boost Sacramento’s nighttime economy by supporting local businesses and creating safer, more vibrant social settings. The city’s first entertainment zone activation, the Rainbow Festival in Midtown, drew about 3,000 attendees and led to higher bar sales.
Councilmember Phil Pluckebaum said growing community interest has encouraged the city to expand the program.
“A lot of events throughout the community have been having open containers, unpermitted. And now, we are just trying to make that a part of what we are trying to do in a more structured way,” Pluckebaum said.
He called the Terra Madre Americas event “a smashing success,” saying it showed how formalized zones can support public events that previously operated informally.
Pluckebaum said officials plan to keep working with residents to limit community impacts and are optimistic about next spring and summer as more events are planned.
The City Council will vote on the two proposed sites October 21.