Civic leaders, this week, chalked up Sacramento’s first two to-go drinks events as early successes, and paved the way for more.
The events were organized after California lawmakers passed legislation allowing cities to establish so-called “entertainment zones,” wherein bars and restaurants can sell open containers of alcohol which patrons may enjoy outdoors during designated events in designated locations. San Francisco was an early adopter, and businesses there reported early success with dramatic increases in sales during block parties and holiday celebrations.
Sacramento’s City Council approved a pilot program to create entertainment zones in June. Under the common alcohol regulations, some small businesses had complained that they were boxed out from festivals, and attendees who chose to drink outdoors were shuffled into small, fenced-off areas. Still, local and state officials had to allay fears that they were opening the door for out-of-control revelry…