Sip while you shop in Santa Monica! Soon shoppers at the Third Street Promenade pedestrian mall may be able to grab a buzz while they grab a latte, a lip gloss, or another pair of shoes. Santa Monica’s City Council is considering a plan to let visitors sip alcoholic beverages as they stroll the Third Street Promenade.
The new proposal aims to breathe new life into the shopping strip that’s still-recovering after the pandemic. If approved, the proposal would let patrons buy drinks from nearby bars and restaurants and carry them around the designated area daily from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m.
A California First
If it passes, Santa Monica would make history as California’s first city to roll out a “drink and shop” zone under a new state law signed by Governor Gavin Newsom permitting public drinking in designated entertainment zones. The new law went into effect on January 1 of this year, but so far has yet to be utilized.
Questions and Concerns
While many residents have expressed excitement regarding the new potential plan, not everyone’s toasting the idea. Some Californians worry it could lead to public drunkenness and rowdiness and undermine the Promenade’s family-friendly feel.
However, Andrew Thomas, CEO of Downtown Santa Monica, backs the initiative. He stated, “I think it’s a great idea. It could really enliven the area.”
Success in San Francisco
Back in 2022, Governor Gavin Newsom signed a bill similar to Bill 969, but it applied only to San Francisco. That city tested an “entertainment zone” during its Oktoberfest celebration last September, and the results were encouraging. Foot traffic to the area was reportedly ten times higher than the previous year. The experiment in San Francisco offers a promising sign for other cities in California hoping to boost local business and attract more tourists.
You can read more about Senate Bill 969 here.