Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Entertainment Zones topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Auburn council introduces ordinance to create Old Town and Downtown entertainment zones; ordinance waived first reading
Summary
Council introduced Ordinance 25-40 to establish entertainment districts in Old Town and Downtown—permitting licensed businesses to sell beer/wine in marked cups within defined boundaries during set hours—and waived first reading by unanimous vote.
The Auburn City Council on Oct. 13 introduced and waived the first reading of Ordinance 25-40, establishing entertainment zones in Old Town and downtown Auburn and authorizing a licensed, city‑managed program that lets patrons carry certain alcoholic beverages in marked containers within defined district boundaries and during specified hours.
Why it matters: the ordinance is intended to increase foot traffic for local businesses, support after-hours economic activity and create coordinated licensing and enforcement rules for participating businesses. The program builds on state legislation that allows cities to create such districts.
Key provisions and boundaries
The ordinance establishes two voluntary entertainment districts: an Old Town zone covering the central Old Town commercial core (roughly the block from the top of Sacramento Street down through Washington and the east side of Commercial Street) and a downtown zone extending along Lincoln through upper Lincoln and adjacent blocks that connect to the station area. The city will mark district boundaries on maps and signage.
Under the proposed program discussed at the meeting, participating businesses would be allowed to sell beer and wine in marked, non‑glass, single‑use containers (staff cited a 12‑ounce cap as the preferred size) and to offer those beverages for patrons to carry within the designated street area during the approved days and hours. The ordinance prohibits glass and aluminum containers and relies on a city licensing mechanism to enable enforcement. Businesses that opt in must meet licensing, training and operational requirements; participation is voluntary and property owners or tenants that decline to participate retain the right to refuse entry to patrons with a beverage.
Enforcement, safety and reporting
City staff and representatives said enforcement will be coordinated with Auburn Police Department and the city’s code/licensing functions. The ordinance contains enforcement tools that allow the city to suspend a district or an operator’s participation for noncompliance; staff proposed periodic reporting and a two‑year review to evaluate public-safety impacts, nuisance complaints and economic benefits.
Public comment and business support
Business representatives and residents largely supported the proposal at the hearing. Catherine (TVA) told the council the program “is another way of getting people out of their cars and on the streets” and said local merchants expect the change to help retail and dining businesses. The Chamber of Commerce and Old Town Business Association signaled support at the meeting.
Vote
Council voted to introduce Ordinance 25‑40 and waive first reading by roll call; the motion passed. Following the introduction, staff will pursue required zoning procedure (if any), finalize licensing language and proceed with the public-notice steps required before final adoption.
Ending
The ordinance’s introduction is the first formal step; staff will return with final ordinance language, licensing procedures and any zoning or CEQA items raised by the planning commission before the council considers final adoption.
