City Hall has proposed legislation to establish four new Entertainment Zones in Downtown San Francisco. These proposed zones, potentially slated to open their doors to the public this December, are set to include Mid-Market, Maiden Lane, Mark Lane Harlan Place, and Thrive City. Once approved, the legislation will permit the to-go sale of alcoholic beverages by bars and restaurants within these zones, which can be consumed outdoors during public events and activations.
This move comes on the heels of the earlier launch of the first Entertainment Zone on Front Street, an initiative fueled by Senate Bill 76, authored by State Senator Scott Wiener, permitting to-go alcohol sales during special events to help reinvigorate the economy and animate public spaces. Mayor Breed aims further to bolster the Downtown area's cultural vibrancy and economy, continuing to actively support block parties, nightlife, and commercial pursuits beyond regular operating hours. "The momentum we're seeing Downtown is exciting, and we are only just getting started," Mayor Breed said.
In line with supporting local establishments and fostering community engagement, Senator Wiener highlighted the role of Entertainment Zones as tools for public space activation and civic unity. "We've always known San Francisco has the best entertainment offerings in California, and it's great to see our City leading the state once again", he remarked. These Entertainment Zones are also expected to support the arts, with the proposed Mid-Market zone incorporating an artistic angle through the Market Street Arts initiative, a collaboration between cultural venues, businesses, and art organizations.
Furthermore, the legislation aligns with the Mayor’s Roadmap to San Francisco’s Future and capitalizes on entertainment initiatives aimed at Downtown's recovery. The zones are not only intended to shore up the economic standing of bars and restaurants. Still, they are designed to raise the profile of community events and general economic recuperation. "Our vision for the Entertainment Zone on Maiden Lane is to create a fun, family-friendly destination", Blake McCall, owner of Blake Charles Salon, shared, emphasizing the zones' potential to unite businesses and revitalize foot traffic.
To aid the planning and execution of successful events within these zones, OEWD has partnered with San Francisco New Deal to kickstart the Downtown Entertainment & Nightlife Revitalization Grant (ENRG) Program. This August, the program awarded up to $50,000 to 14 Downtown organizations to craft innovative events for evenings and weekends. Supported by ENRG funding, these Entertainment Zones are already seeing a sizeable number of creative activations.
