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Auburn Council adds third entertainment zone and extends program days
Summary
After a public hearing that drew support from local businesses, the Auburn City Council voted May 11 to add a third entertainment zone at Huffman Avenue and High Street, expanding rules that allow participating businesses to serve to-go adult beverages within designated districts.
The Auburn City Council expanded the city's entertainment-zone program May 11, approving creation of a third district along Huffman Avenue at its intersection with High Street and adopting several operational clarifications intended to broaden event coverage and annual requalification requirements.
Staff presentation: City staff explained the proposed ordinance responds to merchant interest in expanding the entertainment-zone model that allows participating bars and restaurants in designated areas to serve to-go adult beverages within the district. Staff said the new Huffman Avenue zone is physically separated by the state highway from downtown and therefore must be a distinct district; staff also recommended incorporating the major holiday events such as St. Patrick's Day and Cinco de Mayo into the program's operational calendar.
Public comment: Chris Haupt, co-owner of 2 Asp Brewing Company, told the council the additional zone would make it easier for neighborhood businesses to support local nonprofits and events, avoid special ABC permits and allow patrons to move more freely across event areas. "Whether you drink alcohol or not, we like to have events that everyone can enjoy... We think this could really help with that kind of event," Haupt said.
Council action: After the public hearing no opposition was recorded and councilmembers voiced support. A motion to approve the ordinance and operational changes passed on a unanimous roll call vote.
What it means: The ordinance expands the geographic scope of the entertainment-zone program and creates an annual reapplication requirement so businesses remain eligible each year. Staff and councilmembers noted public safety and coordination with law enforcement are part of implementation monitoring.
The motion to adopt the ordinance passed on a roll-call vote recorded in the meeting; staff said implementation details, permitted days and participating businesses will be managed by city staff under the adopted ordinance.
