Add The California Post on Google Sacramento could soon have six more places where event-goers can legally take their drinks outside, and city officials are betting the booze-fueled crowds will be good for business.
The City Council gave the latest Entertainment Zone proposal a green light Tuesday, moving the plan toward a Sept. 15 vote.
It’s the city’s third round of action on Entertainment Zones in a little more than a year.
The concept made its Sacramento debut in 2025, when the city allowed to-go alcoholic drinks to be sold and consumed in outdoor public areas during the Rainbow Festival and Terra Madre Americas event at the Convention Center.
Now officials want to spread the party beyond the central city.
The proposed zones would cover parts of downtown, Broadway, the Arena area and Oak Park:
City staff say the zones are meant to turn commercial corridors into busier destinations, drawing residents and visitors while helping nearby businesses.
And there’s a financial angle: The city says letting bars and restaurants participate could encourage customers to stick around longer and spend more.
“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,” the staff report said.
Officials said they received requests for new zones in downtown, midtown, Broadway and Oak Park.
The city says the expansion could boost revenue for bars and restaurants, spill economic activity into neighboring businesses and make events more enjoyable for residents and visitors.
