Long Beach is officially the second city in California to turn its downtown area into an “Outdoor Entertainment Zone.”
This new designation will allow adults 21 and over to consume alcohol outdoors in the city. The Long Beach City Council voted to approve the ordinance during a meeting on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. These new rules permitting alcohol consumption in downtown Long Beach are set to begin this summer.
The initiative aims to revitalize the area, which has faced many economic challenges in the past few years.
What other California cities have “Entertainment Zones?”
Long Beach will be looking to the City of Santa Monica for tips on how to proceed with the new “Entertainment Zone.” Santa Monica was the very first city in California to take advantage of the state-wide Senate Bill No. 969.
The California state law allows “Outdoor Entertainment Zones,” and it was passed with the intention of revitalizing local businesses that had seen slower in-person traffic since the pandemic. You can read more about Santa Monica’s “Entertainment Zones” here.
What are the expectations and concerns about the new “Entertainment Zone?”
Some Long Beach locals are hopeful about the potential benefits of the proposed entertainment zone, such as increased tourism and higher profits for local downtown businesses. However, other locals are concerned that the ordinance might add to the city’s existing problems. Critics fear it could worsen issues like crime and put local unhoused individuals at even greater risk.
Where will the “Entertainment Zones” be located?
Since the new ordinance just passed yesterday, it’s still unknown which parts of downtown Long Beach will be designated as the “Entertainment Zone.” New details are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.