San Francisco Sun

San Francisco, CA - Mayor London N. Breed and Supervisor Matt Dorsey, alongside the Office of Economic and Workforce Development (OEWD), introduced legislation on Tuesday, September 3 to establish four new Entertainment Zones in Downtown San Francisco. These zones could launch as early as December this year and include Mid-Market, Maiden Lane, Mark Lane and Harlan Place, and Thrive City. If approved, the legislation will allow restaurants and bars in these zones to sell alcoholic beverages to-go for outdoor consumption during events.

This proposed legislation would increase San Francisco’s total number of Entertainment Zones to five. In May 2024, Mayor Breed announced Front Street as the first entertainment zone in San Francisco under Senate Bill 76, authored by State Senator Scott Wiener. The ordinance permits bars and restaurants to sell alcohol to-go within the zones during special events to boost economic activity.

“The momentum we’re seeing Downtown is exciting, and we are only just getting started,” said Mayor London Breed. “The addition of four new Entertainment Zones and the investments we have made to support block parties, free concerts, nightlife events, and small businesses moving into vacant storefronts are making our vision for transforming Downtown into a culturally vibrant neighborhood a reality.”

“I authored California’s Entertainment Zone law—which we expanded last week—to give cities an additional tool to activate public spaces,” said Senator Wiener. “We’ve always known San Francisco has the best entertainment offerings in California.”

“San Francisco's nightlife is a vital part of our city's culture,” said District 6 Supervisor Matt Dorsey. “By supporting Entertainment Zones and expanding nightlife activations, we're not just boosting local businesses but also fostering community.”

The creation of these zones is part of the Mayor’s Roadmap to San Francisco’s Future initiative aimed at supporting Downtown’s recovery. The four new zones aim to advance financial sustainability for bars and restaurants while creating more opportunities for community gatherings.

The Maiden Lane Entertainment Zone is organized by the Union Square Alliance with plans for upscale events featuring wine, champagne, and craft cocktails from local establishments like Iron Horse Cocktails.

Arts programming will be central to the Mid-Market Entertainment Zone between 5th and 6th streets. Fernando Pujals from Mid-Market Foundation stated that this zone is crucial for their Market Street Arts initiative.

An Arena Entertainment Zone would be located in Thrive City around Chase Center with activities including sports watch parties and family-friendly concerts. Brandon Schneider from Golden State Warriors expressed excitement about enriching Mission Bay's culture through this zone.

Mark Alley and Harlan Place will feature craft drinks from Harlan Records with potential programming such as record swaps and live music events.

“The Entertainment Zone would be huge for the neighborhood,” said Ronan O’Neill of The Irish Bank. “We need to make this area a destination again.”

To ensure successful management of these zones, OEWD will collaborate with community stakeholders. More information can be found on San Francisco's official website.

Mayor Breed also directed OEWD to partner with San Francisco New Deal for the Downtown Entertainment & Nightlife Revitalization Grant (ENRG) Program which awarded grants up to $50,000 each in August.

“Entertainment Zones and ENRG Grants empower our local businesses,” said Sarah Dennis Phillips from OEWD.

San Francisco’s Downtown will host numerous city-sponsored events in September including block parties like UNSTAGED: First Thursday Live on Mid-Market on September 5; Latinx heritage celebrations; El Grito de Dolores; free concerts; Oktoberfest on Front Street; SF Live concert series; Bricks at Embarcadero Plaza; among others.