A Downtown First Thursdays block party on Second Street in San Francisco on May 2. Mayor London Breed has proposed four additional entertainment zones to spruce up San Francisco’s downtown nightlife.
Scott Strazzante/The Chronicle
San Francisco could have four new entertainment zones as early as December, which would expand the areas in which folks can enjoy alcoholic drinks from local restaurants and bars while roaming outdoor events and activities.
On Sept. 3, Mayor London Breed and Supervisor Matt Dorsey, in collaboration with the Office of Economic Workforce Development, introduced legislation to create new zones: Mid-Market, Maiden Lane, the alley between Mark Lane and Harlan Place, and Thrive City, just outside the home of the Golden State Warriors.
“The momentum we’re seeing Downtown is exciting, and we are only just getting started,” Mayor Breed said in a statement.
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The concept is authorized under SB76, introduced by State Sen. Scott Wiener and in effect as of January, which permits bars, restaurants, wineries and breweries to sell alcohol to-go for consumption within the designated zones during special events in an effort to spur social and economic development.
In May, Breed announced Front Street, between California and Sacramento streets, as the first entertainment zone in San Francisco and the state. The city’s Oktoberfest celebration, set for Sept. 20, is poised to be the first event in that zone.
Oktoberfest on Front: 2-10 p.m. Sept. 20. Free. Front Street between California and Sacramento streets. downtownsf.org
This new proposal is currently under a standard 30-day hold and will then be introduced during a Rules Committee hearing, which will likely take place in early October. It’ll then need to go through two rounds of voting by the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. If approved, the city will have five entertainment zones.
“The addition of four new Entertainment Zones and the investments we have made to support block parties, free concerts, nightlife events, and small businesses moving into vacant storefronts are making our vision for transforming Downtown into a culturally vibrant, 24/7 neighborhood a reality,” Breed said.
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Dholrhythms Dance Company performs for hundreds in downtown San Francisco’s Financial District at at Battery and Clay streets during the Bhangra & Beats Night Market on May 10. Mayor London Breed has proposed four additional entertainment zones to spruce up San Francisco’s downtown nightlife.
Camille Cohen/Special to the Chronicle
Organized by the Union Square Alliance, the proposed Maiden Lane zone aims to enhance the area’s upscale appeal with Iron Horse Cocktails and Hawthorne nightclub planning to serve alcoholic beverages during sanctioned events. The Mid-Market zone would activate during the Mid-Market Foundation’s “Unstaged” interactive arts experience on the first Thursdays of the month with establishments such as Red Tail bar, the Warfield concert hall, the Line Hotel and Ikea’s Saluhall participating.
Surrounding Chase Center, the Thrive City zone would aim to host fan events such as Warriors and Golden State Valkyries basketball game watch parties, all ages concerts and wellness events with brick-and-mortar breweries, restaurants and bars in the area serving drinks.
Lastly, the Mark Alley and Harlan Place zone would engage local bars Harlan Records and Irish Bank, with a focus on music-themed programming including record swaps, music lessons and instrument-building workshops.
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“We’ve always known San Francisco has the best entertainment offerings in California,” Wiener said in a statement. “It’s great to see our City leading the state once again.”
Reach Zara Irshad: [email protected]
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