Santa Monica City Council Approves Open Container Zone for Third Street Promenade Starting June

Santa Monica has approved an ordinance to create an "Outdoor Entertainment Zone" on the Third Street Promenade, allowing people to consume alcoholic beverages outdoors from approved to-go containers between 8 a.m. and 2 a.m. This move aims to revitalize the struggling commercial district, support small businesses, and increase foot traffic following declines due to the pandemic. The ordinance, one of the first of its kind in California outside San Francisco, includes safeguards such as ID checks and wristbands for drinkers, with a six-month review planned. Officials hope the zone will boost local economy by encouraging visitors to linger longer and engage with experiential retail offerings like mini golf and boozy art classes. Similar to initiatives in other states, this reflects a growing trend toward permitting to-go cocktails and outdoor alcohol consumption to aid business recovery and enhance public enjoyment.