Commission directs staff to pursue entertainment‑zone option after state law change

Commissioners endorsed staff exploration of local "entertainment zones" after a staff presentation explained the state enacted Senate Bill 969 in January 2025 authorizing cities and counties to create mapped entertainment zones where restaurants and bars may sell approved alcoholic beverages for consumption within the zone with appropriate permits.

Brandon (staff member) described the state law and said the city can create a mapped zone and specify the events or dates it applies to; he suggested First Fridays, Feather Fiesta Days and the Salmon Festival as potential candidates. Commissioners discussed enforcement and policing considerations for larger areas and asked staff to consult the police department before recommending a map size. One commissioner noted many successful models are compact (one block) in other cities and counselled caution about large areas requiring additional patrol resources.

Commissioners asked staff to return with draft maps and an ordinance for council review; Brandon said he already is developing several possible maps and would bring a proposal to the commission in the near future. Commissioners indicated support for pursuing options that would allow businesses to participate in designated events (for example, first Fridays downtown) with appropriate temporary permits.

No formal vote was recorded; commissioners directed staff to consult police and affected businesses and to prepare an ordinance and map for future consideration by the planning commission and city council.