As the World Cup approaches, Mountain View and Palo Alto officials are eyeing the possibility of letting revelers drink alcohol in public spaces.
In Mountain View on Tuesday (April 7), the Downtown Committee recommended council approve plans for a so-called “entertainment zone” along Castro Street.
Drinking zone
An entertainment zone is a designated area where customers can legally consume alcohol in public spaces, not limited to dining establishments, during specified days and times.
The proposed hours are every day from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., but the zone will only be active during each special event’s time window. Existing businesses within the zone with an active liquor license are eligible to participate.
Mountain View will try the entertainment zone for 18 months before deciding whether to make it permanent, according to Economic Development Strategist Kristin Hein.
The upcoming World Cup has been a motivator for setting up an entertainment zone on the 100 and 200 blocks of Castro, with the city hoping to hold its first soccer fan fest events for the Bronze Final on July 18 and the Final on July 19, Hein said.
Palo Alto proposal
Palo Alto’s proposed zone would be located on California Avenue from El Camino Real to Birch Street, east of the Stanford campus, which is already car-free. The zone’s hours would be noon to 10 p.m., and on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Drink containers must not be glass or metal, and customers would be required to wear a wristband after ID verification, according to Management Specialist Nanci Hochroth.
At a March 18 Economic Development Committee meeting, Councilman George Lu proposed expanding the ordinance to include a portion of Ramona Street, located north of the Stanford campus.
Vice Mayor Greer Stone expressed hopes to one day provide ongoing permits to host recurring events like the privately owned First Thursdays in San Francisco. Economic Development Manager Alex Andrade praised the proposed ordinance, and the Ramona Street expansion, saying the zones will spur economic growth and complement events that already exist in the area.
Recent state law
Entertainment zones are allowed under SB969, which went into effect in January 2025.
San Jose, Woodland and West Hollywood have also approved these zones.
City Manager Ed Shikada said he recognizes the kinds of issues that may come up for neighbors as the project develops.
The final vote to approve the Palo Alto entertainment zone will be held on April 20.
Be the first to comment