The Auburn City Council on Nov. 10 approved a resolution establishing fees for newly created entertainment zones in Old Town and Downtown.

Economic Development Director Jonathan Wright told the council an "entertainment zone" — created by state legislation — allows ABC-licensed on-premise restaurants and bars within a defined area to sell alcoholic beverages for consumption while patrons walk within the zone. Staff said roughly 17 ABC licenses fall inside the designated area and that the city created five fee types to cover staff time and enforcement: an application fee, a print modification fee for intra-zone relocations, a reinstatement fee for businesses returning after enforcement action, additional inspection fees, and an appeal fee to preserve due process.

Wright said the ordinance was intended to go into effect Nov. 26 so the program could be in place for the holidays. He also confirmed participation will be voluntary: businesses must apply to participate and will be charged the permit fee if they choose to enroll. "It's entirely voluntary," Wright said when asked by council members.

Council members asked about fee timing and renewals; staff said the initial approach is calendar-year based and that he will return early next calendar year with an amended ordinance that details a renewal mechanism and any prorating. Identification options for participants (branded cups, stamps or wristbands) were discussed; staff preferred a uniform disposable stamp and cup marking system and said wristbands could be a fallback if transferability or enforcement problems arise.

A motion to establish the fees passed by unanimous roll call vote (Bridal Harris, Davis, Dowden Calvio, Holmes and Mayor Amara voting Aye).

What's next: staff will circulate white papers to ABC-licensed businesses, meet with law enforcement, and return with an amended ordinance detailing renewals and operational procedures.