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The City of Martinez is set to explore the idea of creating a Downtown Entertainment Zone.
The item will be taken up on Monday, June 22 at the Economic Development Subcommittee meeting where it will craft an ordinance in concept which could make its way to the city council for a vote. If it moves forward, the council will hear the item in August.
If approved, it would allow businesses to sell alcoholic beverages for consumption in designated outdoor areas such as streets, sidewalks, and plazas during approved events.
Staff is recommending to the committee the establishment of an entertainment zone in the Downtown Martinez area and have established boundaries based off the existing mix of restaurants, bars, retail and pedestrian-friendly environments. They hope to “activate” the downtown with more visitors.
According to the cities of Redding, Sacramento and San Francisco, they reported positive economic activity and increased visitation – while crime rates lowered when there was an entertainment zone event.
Within Martinez, the following organizations are proposed to be permitted to activate an EZ and host an EZ Event (“Event Organizers”):
- Downtown Martinez and Co.
- Martinez Chamber of Commerce
- The City of Martinez
Once successful, the City Council could consider expanding this list to allow others to activate the EZ.
Meeting Agenda: Click Here
Walnut Creek Approved Entertainment Zone
Their debut event will occur on July 8 at the Locust Street Festival hosted by the Walnut Creek Downtown Association. Their Entertainment Zone allows visitors 21 and over to purchase alcoholic beverages from participating businesses and enjoy them within a clearly defined event area during approved activations. All beverages must be served in official Entertainment Zone cups and remain within designated boundaries.
The inaugural activations will take place during the 2026 Locust Street Festival events, which attract thousands of residents and visitors to Downtown Walnut Creek for live music, local food and beverages, artisan vendors, shopping, and family-friendly activities. — more, click here
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‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source contracosta.news ’
