San Francisco is charting new territory with the introduction of novel Entertainment Zones (EZs) slated to enliven the city streets with outdoor events where sipping an alcoholic beverage won’t require the confines of a bar or restaurant. The initiative, recently given the green light by the Board of Supervisors, sets San Francisco apart as the first city in California to embrace this concept under the guidance of Mayor London N. Breed, drawing on legislation authorized by State Senator Scott Wiener’s Senate Bill 76, according to the City and County of San Francisco.
In a vibrant commitment to the city’s economic uplift and cultural flair, the EZs will allow approved establishments, including bars and restaurants, but not liquor stores, to offer patrons the enjoyment of open beverages sold in non-metal or non-glass containers within designated zones. This move is seen as a win for local businesses and an invitation to adventure for residents and visitors. As the City and County of San Francisco noted, “Entertainment Zones bring new economic opportunities that will help strengthen San Francisco’s Downtown and neighborhoods citywide.”
The inaugural EZ will grace Front Street, where a trio of bars—Schroeder’s, Harrington’s, and Royal Exchange—anticipate a surge of patrons ready to revel in this freshly minted liberty. The concept already has various stakeholders across the city, such as the Union Square Alliance and Mid-Market Foundation, considering the limitless potential of their zones to rejuvenate and reconnect the community through public events and activities. In a push to catalyze a nightlife renaissance, Sarah Dennis Phillips, Executive Director of the Office of Economic and Workforce Development, voiced enthusiasm for the zones’ potential to reanimate communal spaces and bolster businesses.
Beyond these novel zones, Mayor Breed’s strategy encompasses the Downtown Entertainment & Nightlife Revitalization Grant Program, which pledges up to $50,000 to support events that invigorate downtown life. These steps are part of a grander vision, Mayor Breed’s Roadmap to San Francisco’s Future, which intends to amplify the city’s vibrancy through arts, culture, and a resurgence of community spirit.
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