Loomis considers entertainment zone on Taylor Road

The Loomis Town Council hit pause this week on a plan that would have let adults walk Taylor Road with an alcoholic drink in hand, pumping the brakes over questions about parking, public safety and insurance costs.

The proposal follows Senate Bill 969, signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom in September 2024, which allows cities and counties statewide to create designated “entertainment zones” where open-container rules are temporarily lifted under local ordinances.

Town leaders said they want more alignment among downtown businesses and residents before bringing the ordinance back for consideration. Supporters say the proposed entertainment zone could boost foot traffic, encourage visitors to stay longer and support local restaurants and bars.

The draft ordinance would create a designated zone allowing public consumption of alcohol under specific rules, including limits on drink sizes, restricted hours and the use of town-approved, non-glass containers.

The proposal sounds a lot like what you would see in Las Vegas or a beach town, but the rules would be stricter.

The zone would span just a five-block stretch of Taylor Road, giving businesses on both sides of the thoroughfare the ability to serve alcohol in town-approved non-glass, non-metal containers for customers to carry outside.

Town staff indicated the zone currently includes nine bars and restaurants licensed by the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. In addition to possessing a state license, town permits would be required for businesses in the zone to participate in the program.

Under the draft ordinance, drinks would be limited to 16 ounces of beer, 6 ounces of wine and 1.5 ounces of mixed drinks. Only people 21 and older could participate, identified by a town-approved wristband or hand stamp.

Proposed hours would be 4 to 10 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. The zone would also be active from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, Labor Day, the Friday after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.

Supporters say the entertainment zone is intended to draw more people downtown and encourage them to stay longer at local restaurants and bars. The zone can begin business 30 days after approval from the council.

Reaction to Loomis sip and stroll

Scott Paris, owner of High Hand, said he brought forward the idea as a way to encourage people to gather downtown.

“I thought why not involve everybody into this and create this zone? The Loomis sip and stroll, we can call it,” Paris said. He added that the goal is not to attract heavy drinking but to create a community atmosphere.

Kim Peters, owner of Gander Tap House, raised concerns about the effects on downtown parking lots.

“Do you know how many businesses don’t come into town because they can’t because there’s not enough parking? So now you’re telling me we’re encouraging business by marking off the parking to drink like this makes no sense,” she said.

Patty Knifer, a Penryn resident, questioned whether the proposal includes enough elements to make it an entertainment zone.

“The rule itself, the entertainment zone, sounds like something favorable, something that would add to a town, but the only thing that’s being proposed is to be able to take a clear cup of alcohol outside of the establishment,” she said.

In Sacramento’s 20th and K Streets Entertainment Zone management plan, officials outlined recurring events, including live music performances and games.

The plan also includes signature events intended to “attract a cross-section of downtown workers and visitors,” according to town officials. Examples include farmers markets, festivals, block parties and artisan vendors.

Jenny Knisley, a former Loomis mayor and council member who is a longtime small business owner, said she supported exploring the entertainment zone because she sees it as a tool for businesses.

“I am in favor of exploring it, and maybe there has to be a little more restrictions — I don’t know, but it will help,” she said. “It’s a tool.”

Insurance questions raised

Greg Walters, a Loomis resident, raised concerns that businesses inside the zone, even those that do not sell alcohol, could see higher liability insurance costs.

In San Francisco, which established the state’s first entertainment zones, insurance requirements apply to permitted street events within the zone rather than to surrounding businesses. For events such as street fairs, organizers typically must carry at least $500,000 in general liability coverage per occurrence naming the city and its officials as additional insureds. Larger events may require $1 million in coverage. Both may require automobile liability and workers’ compensation, depending on guidance from the city risk management office, according to the city’s website.

In Auburn, which launched its entertainment zone in December, City Manager Sean Rabé said participating businesses have not reported higher premiums.

“I just checked with three different businesses that are participating in the program. None of them have seen an increase in their premiums,” he said.

Where the entertainment zone stands now

After public discussion, Loomis council members voted to table the ordinance to allow for additional research.

Councilmember Stephanie Youngblood opposed tabling the item, stating at the board meeting that she does not support the proposal and does not want it to return for consideration. She called the concept a potential public safety issue and said she believes many residents do not support it.

“It’s not suitable for our town,” Youngblood said. “We heard the people in the community. They don’t support it.”

The Placer County Sheriff’s Office said it would work with town leaders to maintain safety if the ordinance is eventually approved.

“The Placer County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to working collaboratively with town leadership, local businesses, and community members to support a safe and positive environment if the ordinance is approved,” the agency said in a statement. “Deputies will continue to respond to incidents as they arise and provide public safety services throughout the community.”

Loomis Mayor Jan Clark-Crets said in a statement that after considering community input, the council voted to table the proposed entertainment zone after hearing residents’ concerns about “public safety, zone boundaries, insurance implications for businesses, and overall community impact.”

“I wholeheartedly support our Loomis businesses, which are an integral part of our community, and I understand the disappointment felt by those who hoped this ordinance would move forward,” she said. “I also appreciate and value the residents and business owners who came forward to express their opinions as we worked through this process together.”

The next Loomis town council meeting will be March 10 at the Loomis Depot Building at 6 p.m.