Entertainment Zones

Entertainment Zone Update – On September 16, 2025, the Suisun City Council was introduced to a proposed Entertainment Zone Ordinance, a new initiative designed to support small businesses, attract visitors, and enhance the vibrancy of downtown.

The ordinance, enabled by California Senate Bill 969, would create opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy food, drinks, and entertainment in designated areas of the city. Entertainment Zones are defined spaces where patrons could consume alcohol purchased from participating brick-and-mortar businesses in public areas during approved events. Previously, only third-party vendors could sell alcohol at special events, limiting the ability of local establishments to directly benefit.

During the September 16th meeting, City Councilmembers discussed the proposal and provided direction to City Staff. Staff were instructed to evaluate the creation of two additional zones beyond the original downtown proposal. This direction ensures the ordinance will be inclusive of more businesses and responsive to community needs.

The ordinance is scheduled to return to the Council for consideration and potential adoption on October 21, 2025.

Background:

Under SB 969, cities are authorized to create Entertainment Zones where alcohol purchased from licensed on-site establishments may be consumed outdoors in designated public areas during approved events. However, the law establishes strict conditions to ensure public safety and regulatory compliance.

First, zones must be clearly defined and approved by the City Council. They cannot be citywide or unrestricted; instead, boundaries must be specific enough to allow for monitoring and enforcement. The intent is to create manageable areas where city staff, law enforcement, and event organizers can effectively oversee alcohol service and public activity.

Only alcohol purchased from brick-and-mortar businesses holding valid Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) licenses within the zone may be consumed in public. Third-party vendors or outside alcohol are not permitted. The law also requires participating businesses to serve alcohol in approved containers that distinguish zone beverages from outside alcohol and prevent unlawful re-use.

Additionally, the city must establish and enforce rules for hours of operation, zone management, and public safety protocols, including security, sanitation, and crowd management. The ordinance must ensure compliance with existing ABC laws and cannot override state restrictions on sales, service, or age requirements.

Finally, the legislation emphasizes that Entertainment Zones are a local option: cities may create them, but they are not required to. Each jurisdiction must adopt its own ordinance and operations framework to put zones into effect, with flexibility to adjust boundaries or program rules over time.

Proposed Zones:

                                    Proposed Zone 1                                                                              Concept Art

                             Proposed Zone 2                                                                                      Concept Art

Balancing Opportunity and Oversight

If adopted, the ordinance would require each zone to have specific boundaries approved by City Council, ensuring that areas can be effectively managed and monitored for compliance with Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) regulations and City policies.

City staff have already conducted outreach with business owners in the initial proposed areas, including informational meetings and presentations. These discussions have helped shape the ordinance to balance economic opportunity with public safety and accountability. Additional outreach will be conducted in the new zones proposed by Councilmembers soon.