Downtown Long Beach Entertainment Zone (EZ) Pilot Program
Release Date: 2026-01-26
Item 34 Downtown Long Beach Entertainment Zone (EZ) Pilot Program
Item 34 Downtown Long Beach Entertainment Zone (EZ) Pilot Program was brought forward by Councilmember Zendejas in June 2025, allowed in part due to California Senate Bill 76 and 969 which authorizes cities to designate refreshment zones under local permitting guidelines.
The pilot program was designed to permit public responsible alcohol consumption in specific areas, namely Downtown Long Beach supported by the Downtown Long Beach Alliance.
As noted in the proposed management plan, this pilot program would allow Downtown Long Beach to adapt the existing Dining and Entertainment District that will enable local brick-and-mortar bars and restaurants to sell takeout alcoholic beverages to patrons for consumption at street events, outdoor festivals, and other activations.
These efforts will transform participating businesses into a lively beer garden-meets-cocktail-bar-outside atmosphere with live music, family-friendly programming, and drinks for purchase from local businesses.
By creating a vibrant and engaging public space where families can gather and adults can responsibly enjoy alcoholic beverages purchased from local businesses, Councilmember Zendejas is positively impacting Downtown Long Beach establishments.
Since its implementation, several events have occurred under the legislation including:
- EZ Sip Downtown Long Beach Block Party: Sunday, Feb. 1
- DTLB Live! January Kickoff: Swing into the New Year!
- ISM Brewing & Kitchen 2nd Anniversary Celebration
- Downtown’s Fright Fest: Saturday, Oct. 25
- Entertainment Zone Launch Party, August 2, 2025
Informational Reports:
Media reports:
- Downtown Long Beach to host first event piloting open container zone
- Long Beach to test first event with sanctioned public drinking on Aug. 2
- Open-container pilot program debuts with downtown Long Beach launch party
