Thousands flocked to Sacramento’s vibrant Lavender Heights district for the 37th annual Rainbow Festival, an event that this year coincided with the launch of the city’s pioneering “Entertainment Zone” ordinance. The pride fundraiser, held yesterday, was the first event to use the zones, allowing adults 21 and older to carry alcoholic drinks in marked cups while wearing a wristband. This move by the Sacramento City Council, unanimously approved back in June, places Sacramento on the list of cities that support open-drink environments in designated areas during special events.
Enthusiasm for the new ordinance was tangible among attendees and local businesses as well. According to an ABC10 report, James Paige expressed that the open-drink zones help in fostering connections within the community. “It’s great. I think it brings the community together. People are able to freely roam and see different businesses in the area,” Paige said. Meanwhile, bar owner Myron Sidie cited a challenge in enforcement, given his property is usually fenced and future events will be less contained. Yet Sidie and others seem optimistic about the adaptability and potential for increased patronage.
There was a clear sense of community involvement in the lead-up to the ordinance’s implementation. Emily Baime Michaels, executive director of the Midtown Association, emphasized the partnership with the city in bringing the Entertainment Zone concept to fruition. “The city really stepped up on their own and said, ‘We want to bring this to you,’ which is such a positive business culture,” Michaels told KCRA. Coordination efforts included managing wristbands and cups to ensure a compliant and successful clinical trial of the open-alcohol policy…