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Council approves downtown entertainment zone allowing to-go alcoholic beverages in designated core
Summary
The Redding City Council voted to adopt an ordinance establishing a downtown entertainment zone under California Senate Bill 969, permitting licensed vendors to sell durable, marked to‑go alcohol containers for consumption within the marked zone during set hours and subject to review and enforcement.
The Redding City Council on Aug. 18 approved an ordinance to create a downtown entertainment zone under state law that will allow people aged 21 and older to legally possess and consume alcoholic beverages purchased from licensed downtown vendors within a defined public core.
The ordinance, proposed after staff outreach with downtown business owners and Redding Police Department representatives, authorizes consumption of to‑go alcoholic beverages in a zone generally framed by Eureka Way on the north, Oregon Street on the west, Lincoln Street on the south and Pine Street on the east. Staff recommended operating days of 365 days per year and hours from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and proposed the use of a non‑glass, marked container to identify authorized purchases.
Staff said the idea comes from Senate Bill 969, enacted in 2024, which allows cities to create entertainment zones to stimulate local economies and increase downtown vibrancy. Assistant City Manager Steve Bade reviewed required steps before adoption, including notification to law enforcement and coordination with the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) on container standards and vendor participation.
City staff told council that businesses and property owners contacted in the outreach supported the concept and that implementation costs are expected to be modest and limited to signage, outreach and some enforcement coordination. The council asked staff to continue outreach with RPD, ABC and downtown stakeholders and required a six‑month staff report on zone activity, followed by biannual reviews pursuant to SB 969.
Council members asked procedural questions about conflicts of interest and whether council members could personally use zone privileges; the city attorney said purchasing a drink later would not create a conflict of interest. The council voted to approve the ordinance on first reading and waive full reading. Council direction included signage at intersections, coordination with public works and public safety, and staff return with the required CEQA finding and subsequent updates.
The ordinance will return for second reading consistent with the city’s normal ordinance process and staff will prepare a summary for publication.
