The Martinez City Council has approved the creation of a Downtown Entertainment Zone, where businesses will be allowed to serve alcoholic beverages in designated outdoor areas.
The entertainment zone is intended to revitalize downtown streets and support local businesses and restaurants, according to a news release issued by the city Thursday.
“Our downtown is already a special place, and the Downtown Entertainment Zone gives us another tool to create opportunities for residents and visitors to gather, celebrate, and experience Martinez together, while supporting our local businesses who are licensed to sell alcohol,” said Martinez Mayor Brianne Zorn in the news release.
State Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco, authored the legislation to allow cities and counties to create entertainment zones to bring more activity and support small businesses. Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the legislation into law in 2024.
San Francisco, for instance, already has over a dozen entertainment zones where alcohol can be consumed in specific outdoor areas at certain times of the week.
The city of Martinez will release more details about participating businesses, boundaries, and other operating requirements as the implementation moves ahead.