MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. (KRON) — Another city is considering an entertainment zone. The city of Mountain View introduced legislation at Tuesday’s City Council meeting.
An entertainment zone allows for public, outdoor alcohol consumption during special events. The goal is to create a festive environment for visitors while supporting local businesses economically.
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California Senate Bill 969, which allows cities to establish entertainment zones, was passed in 2024 but went into effect on Jan. 1, 2025.
San Francisco is one of the few cities already utilizing the zones. Mountain View Economic Vitality Manager Amanda Rotella said the city has observed the success of San Francisco’s program, and her team is trying to replicate it.
“So, entertainment zones, we really see them as being able to encourage longer visits, support restaurants and retailers and really just enhance the overall downtown experience,” Rotella said.
To establish an entertainment zone, Mountain View must pass an ordinance that defines the zone’s boundaries, container requirements and operating hours.
“The Mountain View entertainment zone will be activated for city-hosted events, so it won’t be open 24/7,” Rotella said.
The boundaries include Castro Street, from Church Street to West Evelyn Avenue.
Rotella said that if approved, they already have some events in mind.
“We are particularly excited to utilize this tool around our World Cup activations,” Rotella said. “We’re super excited for the games to be coming here this year, and so we’re looking to bring some events to our downtown in celebration of soccer.”
Some councilmembers were in support of the ordinance.
“Because of the pedestrian mall we have, it will really be nice to have this area set up so people can buy a glass of wine and walk down the street to play cornhole,” said Councilmember Pat Showalter.
Still, one community member called in to raise safety concerns.
“Unfortunately, drunken people have proven to be an issue for our artists, especially when only female artists are present,” the community member said. “With the entertainment zone, we can expect the number of intoxicated people to considerably increase. I’m hoping that safety will be taken seriously.”
Rotella is recommending it as an initial 18-month pilot program.
“We’re going to be evaluating it every step of the way and really looking at how it applies, how it works for our businesses and how it works for our community,” Rotella said.
The entertainment zone is expected to be voted on at the April 28 meeting. If approved, it would go into effect 30 days later.
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