Long Beach, California. – Long beach is now the second city of California – following Santa Monica – Approve a movement transforming part of its city center into “Entertainment Zone, “allowing adults aged 21 and over to consume alcohol outside.
The initiative aims to revitalize the region, which has been faced with economic challenges.
What we know:
The municipal council voted to approve the prescription at a meeting on Tuesday, the new rules allowing alcohol consumption in downtown Long Beach to start this summer.
Suggest: Santa Monica transforms the 3rd street walk into an entertainment area with open alcohol rules
Overview:
Santa Monica’s entertainment area opened its doors with a gentle launch on Friday June 13.
Soft launch has limited outdoor hours. Adults can buy a drink in a participating license company and consume it outside between 11 a.m. and 10 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Suggest: Santa Monica Outdoor Drinking Zone now open
According to California’s law, the five essential rules of the entertainment area are:
- You must be 21 and more and wear an official bracelet to taste alcoholic drinks.
- Only alcoholic beverages purchased from participating companies are authorized.
- Alcohol taken originally must be in a non -metallic glass container.
- Finish your drink before exploring another bar, restaurant or store.
- Take advantage of your alcoholic drinks within the limits of the entertainment area,
Local perspective:
Senate bill 969 entered into force this year, allowing local governments to create “entertainment zones”, which are designated external zones where the prohibitions of open containers are lifted for drinks purchased from participation restaurants and the bars.
The areas are governed by a specific set of rules intended to keep these safe and pleasant spaces for everyone.
What we don’t know:
We do not know which part of the city center will be designated as part of the “entertainment zone”.
The other side:
Although some are optimistic about potential advantages, others express concerns that the order can increase the challenges of the city. Critics fear that this can aggravate problems such as homeless And crime.
What is the next step:
The municipal director will work with the local police and other relevant services and offices to establish a year-long entertainment zone pilot program in the city center and entertainment district and will return to the municipal council by the next meeting with recommendations describing municipal processes and others such as street closure, open alcohol and event permits, and immediate measures to develop a management plan.
The plan should have the target to allow a pilot to start in the summer of 2025.
The source: The information for this story comes from the mayor of Long Beach and the previous Fox 11 reports.