The California State Senate voted unanimously to pass Senate Bill 76, allowing cities to create temporary “Entertainment Zones” in public spaces. This bill is intended to aid the recovery of brick-and-mortar restaurants and bars by removing barriers for their participation in outdoor events such as street fairs and festivals. The bill now moves on to the Assembly, where it must be passed by September 14th.
Senator Scott Wiener, author of this legislation stated: “Our cities will recover from the pandemic only with thriving small businesses. By permitting brick-and-mortar businesses equal footing with outside vendors at street fairs and festivals through SB 76, cities are provided an important tool for economic recovery.”
Currently licensed establishments can set up booths selling alcoholic beverages during a street fair or festival; however neighboring restaurants and bars are prohibited from doing so without this new law passing into effect.
