Entertainment Zones
What are Entertainment Zones?
On October 21, 2025, the Sacramento City Council approved an ordinance establishing designated entertainment zones. This move will support local businesses, foster economic development, and create a festive event atmosphere. The ordinance was developed by the City's Office of Nighttime Economy in partnership with the Entertainment Services Division. Sacramento City Code relating to entertainment zones can be found in Chapter 12.50.
Entertainment zones are areas where the consumption of alcoholic beverages is allowed on public streets, sidewalks, or other public rights-of-way during permitted special events. Under Senate Bill 969, which took effect in 2024, local jurisdictions may create such zones by ordinance. When active, they allow patrons to purchase to-go alcoholic beverages from licensed bars, restaurants, breweries, and wineries and consume them in common public areas.
Sacramento will implement a two-tiered approach that enables the City Council to establish geographic boundaries and operating hours, while administrative staff will approve management plans to address community concerns. An approved Special Event permit is required for any activation. When a zone is in use, its boundaries will be clearly marked—for example, with signage or sidewalk decals—to help guide participants and maintain compliance.
Each zone will operate under a management plan designed to ensure public safety and compatibility with the neighborhood. The Office of Nighttime Economy will collaborate with interested parties to create these management plans. Management plans help to ensure public safety and maintain the quality of life. The key elements of the management plan will include:
- Designating an “Entertainment Zone Lead” who acts as the point of contact and maintains the website and event calendar
- Determining the applicable area and hours of operation
- Mandating compliance with any additional permits necessary to activate the zone
- Requiring submission of a security plan for police approval and reporting any calls for service or violent incidents within 24 hours
- Requiring an age verification process to ensure anyone consuming alcohol is 21 years of age or older, and limiting businesses to only selling to-go beverages in specific containers
Are You Interested in Creating a Zone?
Click here to email the Office of Nighttime Economy
Interactive Citywide Entertainment Zone Map
Explore the approved Entertainment Zones and participating businesses
Approved Entertainment Zones
Approved Entertainment Zone Management Plans
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Entertainment Zones in the News
California may have found a golden goose for businesses
Sacramento considers open container ordinance to boost nightlife economy
New City ordinance creates entertainment zones.
‘Entertainment zones’ aim to boost Sacramento nightlife
Rainbow Festival draws thousands as Sacramento tests new open-drink zones
These events could be the first to test new entertainment zone ordinance
First event under new “Entertainment Zone” law
Rainbow Festival
Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Information
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