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Entertainment Zones

Entertainment Zone Frequently Asked Questions

Entertainment Zones

Entertainment Zone Frequently Asked Questions

people outside in the street under patio lights

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How do I create an Entertainment Zone within the City of Sacramento?

The first step is to contact the Office of Nighttime Economy by emailing nighttime@cityofsacramento.org.

How does an Entertainment Zone get approved?

Each Zone designation requires approval from the Sacramento City Council through an ordinance that defines the Zone's boundaries and specifies permissible days and times of operation.

What size can an Entertainment Zone be?

The Sacramento City Council establishes the maximum boundaries for designated Zones. However, the entire space allowed for a Zone event does not need to be utilized. The specific area to be activated for the event is outlined in the Special Event Permit. This area should be spacious enough to accommodate patrons and activities without overcrowding, while also being manageable in size for effective oversight.

What are some examples of ways to activate the Entertainment Zone space?

Zone events should concentrate on activating public spaces. Examples of activations include day or night markets, live music performances, fashion shows, art exhibitions, annual celebrations, holiday-themed events, and other activities that require a special event permit.

Do I need a City of Sacramento Special Event Permit to activate an Entertainment Zone?

Yes, you do. The days and hours of operation for a Zone can only be approved if you also obtain a Special Event Permit. You can find the Special Event Permit application through the Entertainment Services Division.

How often can I activate an Entertainment Zone?

Operating hours can be flexible, and you are welcome to use the Zone on multiple days. However, please note that an approved Special Event Permit is required for each event or series of events.

What hours can an Entertainment Zone operate?

A Zone event can only take place between 10:00 a.m. and 11:59 p.m. This is subject to any additional restrictions set by the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) permit or license, the Management Plan, or the approved Special Event Permit.

What is an Entertainment Zone “Lead”?

Each Zone is required to appoint a Lead who will act as the primary point of contact and the designated responsible party for the Entertainment Zone event. The Lead will be accountable for communicating information to the participating businesses within the zone, collaborating with the City of Sacramento on the Management and Security Plans, ensuring the timely submission of the Special Event Permit, and ensuring that both event insurance and security are secured.

How will an Entertainment Zone’s physical boundaries be identified?

The Zone Lead is responsible for marking geographic boundaries using signs, sidewalk decals, or other methods approved in the Management Plan. Alcoholic beverages must remain within the designated Zone boundaries.

What about liability?

Before a Special Event Permit can be issued for a Zone event, the permit applicant or the sponsoring organization (if different from the applicant) must provide proof of general liability insurance coverage as specified in the Special Event application. Businesses that sell alcohol to-go in the Zone should consult with their insurance provider regarding potential risks and liability concerns. No individual may conduct an Entertainment Zone event without maintaining active insurance coverage.

How does the establishment of an Entertainment Zone affect ABC licensees?

Eligible ABC licensees may participate in the privileges associated with a Zone by allowing their patrons to leave the premises with an open alcoholic beverage container for purposes of consumption within that Zone.

How do businesses sign up to sell to-go drinks in an existing Entertainment Zone?

If you operate a licensed bar, restaurant, winery, or brewery within the defined boundaries of an existing Zone, begin by reaching out to the Zone Lead. You can find their contact details in the Management Plan. Next, contact ABC and the Office of Nighttime Economy about your intention to participate. You can notify ABC through their website, where you will enter your information and include the city ordinance number, which is 2025-0017. You can also inform the Office of Nighttime Economy via email at nighttime@cityofsacramento.org.

May a participating licensee deliver alcoholic beverages to consumers located within the Entertainment Zone?

No, they cannot. The sale and removal of alcoholic beverages for purposes of consumption within the established Entertainment Zone must occur at the participating licensed premises.

Can outside alcohol be brought into an Entertainment Zone for consumption?

No, it cannot. Patrons in the Zone may only consume alcoholic beverages purchased from establishments participating and registered with the Zone Lead and ABC.

Are there restrictions on the types of containers licensees use for purposes of participating in an established Entertainment Zone?

Yes, there are. Alcoholic beverages purchased at the licensed premises cannot leave the premises in an open glass or metal container. They must be consistent with the approved cups identified in the Management Plan.

Where do I get designated cups?

Each Zone will provide its own non-metal and non-glass cups. You will organize the details with the Zone Lead when you create the Management Plan.

If located within an Entertainment Zone’s boundaries, can liquor stores and grocery stores participate?

No, they cannot. Liquor stores and grocery stores are not eligible to participate.

Can I go shopping with my drink, or take it into other businesses?

Individuals are not allowed to take their alcoholic beverages into other businesses, except for the place where they were purchased. You may carry your drink anywhere outside in the Entertainment Zone (please look for marked boundaries) and bring it back into the bar or restaurant where you bought it.

How will underage drinking be prevented?

Businesses are required to verify IDs before selling alcohol as part of their standard operating procedures. They must verify that anyone purchasing or consuming alcoholic beverages within the Zone is 21 years of age or older. The Management Plan and Security Plans outline a process for easily identifying individuals who are 21 or older, which may include methods such as using wristbands.

How will people know the rules?

Signs will be posted throughout the Zone and at its boundaries to indicate the rules. Each participating business must also display these rules at its establishment.

As an ABC licensee, I have an operating condition that limits my sales and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages to 10:00 P.M. each day of the week. But the Entertainment Zone allows for consumption of alcoholic beverages until midnight. May I participate up until midnight due to the Entertainment Zone’s privileges?

No, you cannot. You must still abide by the operating condition that restricts the sales and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages at your premises to 10:00 p.m. You may be able to request a modification of your conditions. Please reach out to your local ABC office for additional information on that process.

What if I have a complaint or concern about an Entertainment Zone?

Contact the Office of Nighttime Economy at nighttime@cityofsacramento.org.

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