City planning staff are proposing two “entertainment zones” where bar and restaurant patrons could finish their drinks while strolling outdoors.
The Santa Rosa, California city council has endorsed a plan to create two weekend “entertainment zones” downtown that would allow visitors to consume wine and beer outdoors, reports Pauline Pineda for The Press Democrat.
According to Pineda, “Planning officials and council members hope the program helps energize downtown and provides a boon to businesses by expanding alcohol sales and getting more people onto the streets.”
Local business leaders support the plan, saying in a letter that entertainment zones could “contribute to a more welcoming experience for residents, workers and visitors.”
Under the proposed program, bar and restaurant patrons would be able to carry out beverages in designated containers from participating bars, restaurants, and breweries. City planning staff have proposed two separate entertainment zones that would allow open containers between noon and 10pm Fridays through Sundays.
FULL STORY: Santa Rosa council endorses downtown zone that would permit to-go alcohol consumption
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Journal of the American Planning Association