Sacramento is poised to expand its experimental outdoor drinking zones, with city officials approving a proposal that could add six new areas where event-goers can legally consume alcoholic beverages in public spaces. The City Council greenlit the latest Entertainment Zone proposal this week, moving the plan toward a formal vote on September 15.

City staff believe the expansion will transform commercial corridors into more vibrant destinations, attracting both residents and visitors and ultimately benefiting local businesses. The initiative is designed to encourage customers to extend their stays at bars and restaurants and increase their spending.

"Cities that thrive have a vibrant social economy. Participation in activations by bars and restaurants could provide significant benefits to businesses, including increasing the length of stay per guest and dollars spent per guest," according to a staff report. Officials stated that requests for new zones came from areas including downtown, midtown, Broadway, and Oak Park.

The proposed zones would encompass specific sections of:

  • 9th and I Street: Covering 9th to 10th Street, between I and J Street.
  • 14th and Broadway: Spanning 9th to 19th Street, from X Street to Burnett Way.
  • 24th and Broadway: Extending from 20th to 28th Street, between X Street and 1st Avenue.
  • 24th and K Street: Located between 23rd to 25th Street, from Jazz to Kayak Alley.
  • Arena District: Encompassing 3rd to 7th Street, between J and L Street.
  • Oak Park Triangle: Situated from 34th to 36th Street, between 2nd and 4th Avenue.

This initiative represents the city's third major action on Entertainment Zones in just over a year. The concept first debuted in Sacramento in 2025, allowing to-go alcoholic drinks to be sold and consumed in designated outdoor public areas during specific events like the Rainbow Festival and Terra Madre Americas at the Convention Center. The current proposal aims to extend these opportunities beyond the central city areas.

Officials anticipate that the expansion will not only bolster revenue for bars and restaurants but also create a positive economic ripple effect into neighboring businesses, while simultaneously enhancing the overall event experience for patrons.