California’s push to redefine public social spaces has taken another step forward. The Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) has officially launched the Entertainment Zone Participation Notification Tool, allowing eligible businesses to register online to participate in the state’s new open-container entertainment zones.

California legalizes outdoor drinking in new “Entertainment Zones”

SB-969 introduces entertainment zones across California, where social gatherings and open-container alcohol consumption are legal, and regulated.

Californiatoday.comPat Sharyon

This follows the implementation of Senate Bill 969 (SB-969), which expands the ability of cities and counties across California to establish designated areas where alcohol consumption is permitted beyond licensed premises. While previously limited to San Francisco, the new law now allows all local jurisdictions to create these zones, provided they meet state and local requirements.

How the Entertainment Zone Notification System Works

The newly introduced tool enables on-sale licensees, beer manufacturers, and winegrowers to submit an annual notice of intent to participate in entertainment zones. Once registered, businesses may immediately exercise the privileges granted under SB-969. However, participation requires yearly renewal, and businesses must still comply with all local and state regulations.

According to the ABC's official announcement, "Eligible ABC licensees can now submit an online notice of intent to participate in California’s open container entertainment zones." The department further clarifies that "notice must be filed annually before participating, and the licensee must be located within a locally approved entertainment zone."

Key details about the notification tool:

• Licensees can check their eligibility by entering their license number. The tool "will determine if the license number entered has a license type that is eligible to exercise the privileges in SB 969, but not whether a licensee is located in an active entertainment zone."
• The system does not verify whether a licensee is within an active entertainment zone—that determination falls to the local ordinance.
• Businesses must provide their city or county and applicable ordinance code when submitting their notice.

The ABC advises all potential participants to carefully review the Requirements and Guidelines and Frequently Asked Questions on its website before registering.

More Business Opportunities, More Regulations

For local establishments, SB-969 and the new registration tool introduce both opportunities and obligations. Breweries, wineries, and bars operating in entertainment zones can now legally allow customers to leave their premises with open containers for consumption within the designated area. This change aligns California with cities like New Orleans and Nashville, where entertainment districts with open-container policies have become popular tourism drivers.

However, the new privileges come with strict conditions:

• All alcohol consumed in an entertainment zone must be purchased from a licensed establishment within that zone.
• Beverages must be served in nonglass and nonmetal containers.
• Businesses must annually renew their notice of intent to remain compliant.

Additionally, while the ABC’s tool confirms whether a business holds an eligible license, it does not ensure compliance with local zoning laws. Licensees must still verify with their local government whether they are within an active entertainment zone before serving alcohol to-go.

According to ABC, "Licensees should carefully review the Requirements and Guidelines and Frequently Asked Questions before submitting a notice of intent to participate."

Local Governments Hold the Keys

SB-969 does not automatically create entertainment zones; rather, it empowers cities and counties to do so via ordinance. Each local government has the discretion to determine the boundaries, operating hours, and enforcement policies of its entertainment zones.

Local municipalities will also be responsible for ensuring:

• Adequate public safety measures, including law enforcement coordination.
• Proper waste management and sanitation within the entertainment zone.
• Enforcement of alcohol-related age verification and consumption rules.

"Entertainment zones are established by city, county, or city and county ordinances," the ABC states, before elaborating, "Patrons with open containers must exit the premises directly into an entertainment zone and only those alcoholic beverages specified by the ordinance creating the entertainment zone may be permitted."

Some cities may be eager to adopt entertainment zones to stimulate nightlife and economic activity, while others may take a more cautious approach due to concerns over public disturbances, noise levels, and increased policing costs.

What’s Next for California’s Entertainment Zones?

With the Entertainment Zone Participation Notification Tool now live, the rollout of open-container districts across California is expected to accelerate. Business owners who wish to participate should act quickly, as compliance with both state and local requirements is necessary to operate legally.

For consumers, this means an expanding number of legal outdoor drinking areas, potentially transforming how Californians experience events, festivals, and nightlife. However, with local governments holding the final say, the future of entertainment zones will depend on how each city and county chooses to implement them.

As the state navigates this new frontier in public social spaces, businesses and consumers alike should stay informed about their local regulations to make the most of California’s evolving nightlife landscape.