Sacramento is considering a proposal to allow open containers of alcohol in designated entertainment zones during special outdoor events to boost the local economy.”The most important thing for people to realize is that we’re not trying to be New Orleans with full-time open containers on the street,” said Tina Lee-Vogt, Sacramento’s nighttime economy manager.Leer en españolBusinesses in these zones would be permitted to sell alcohol in open containers, allowing people to carry and consume alcohol in designated public areas rather than being restricted to bars or restaurants. This ordinance would only apply during permitted special events and the goal is to help boost business for bars. Josh Milholm, owner of The Golden Bear, noted that events near his business often bring in fewer people. “Our biggest challenge is figuring out how those events actually translate into business for us,” Milholm said.Lee-Vogt explained that the proposal would allow someone to buy a drink from one establishment and then participate in an outdoor event. “What this does is allows someone who’s maybe having a drink at Faces or LowBrau to be able to take that drink, then to enter that activity space,” she said.Dave Eadie, a spokesperson for Visit Sacramento, emphasized the benefits of helping Sacramento grow as an entertainment hub. “Those things that just make our city more welcoming and more enjoyable to be part of. Obviously, that’s going to help those events be more successful,” Eadie said.Despite the potential for increased business, some concerns have been raised. “I’m all for a good party, but expanding alcohol and cannabis use brings a certain type of revelry which can create negative impacts,” said one city council meeting attendee.”Litter is going to be an issue,” Milholm said. He added that the benefit of this proposal would depend on proper implementation. “It could be an economic boost, but we have to manage it correctly,” he said.Lee-Vogt assured that addressing these concerns is a top priority as they develop a plan. “That will address issues such as hours of operation, ensuring that they have things in place for age verification and working on security plans,” she said.In the meantime, city staff will focus on areas that already have events before expanding. “What we’re really doing is looking at those key areas, maybe starting with one or two locations and then expanding it,” Lee-Vogt said.The open container ordinance could go before the city council for a vote as early as next month.See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel
Sacramento is considering a proposal to allow open containers of alcohol in designated entertainment zones during special outdoor events to boost the local economy.
“The most important thing for people to realize is that we’re not trying to be New Orleans with full-time open containers on the street,” said Tina Lee-Vogt, Sacramento’s nighttime economy manager.
Businesses in these zones would be permitted to sell alcohol in open containers, allowing people to carry and consume alcohol in designated public areas rather than being restricted to bars or restaurants.
This ordinance would only apply during permitted special events and the goal is to help boost business for bars.
Josh Milholm, owner of The Golden Bear, noted that events near his business often bring in fewer people.
“Our biggest challenge is figuring out how those events actually translate into business for us,” Milholm said.
Lee-Vogt explained that the proposal would allow someone to buy a drink from one establishment and then participate in an outdoor event.
“What this does is allows someone who’s maybe having a drink at Faces or LowBrau to be able to take that drink, then to enter that activity space,” she said.
Dave Eadie, a spokesperson for Visit Sacramento, emphasized the benefits of helping Sacramento grow as an entertainment hub.
“Those things that just make our city more welcoming and more enjoyable to be part of. Obviously, that’s going to help those events be more successful,” Eadie said.
Despite the potential for increased business, some concerns have been raised.
“I’m all for a good party, but expanding alcohol and cannabis use brings a certain type of revelry which can create negative impacts,” said one city council meeting attendee.
“Litter is going to be an issue,” Milholm said.
He added that the benefit of this proposal would depend on proper implementation.
“It could be an economic boost, but we have to manage it correctly,” he said.
Lee-Vogt assured that addressing these concerns is a top priority as they develop a plan.
“That will address issues such as hours of operation, ensuring that they have things in place for age verification and working on security plans,” she said.
In the meantime, city staff will focus on areas that already have events before expanding.
“What we’re really doing is looking at those key areas, maybe starting with one or two locations and then expanding it,” Lee-Vogt said.
The open container ordinance could go before the city council for a vote as early as next month.
See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel