The West Hollywood City Council approved a study that could designate the Rainbow District as an entertainment zone in the city. (photo by Jon Viscott)

The West Hollywood City Council approved a study on Sept. 15 exploring the creation of a space, called an entertainment zone, where public consumption of alcohol would be permitted outdoors. In a 4-1 vote, Councilwoman Lauren Meister dissented.

City staff will now research and evaluate the creation of an entertainment zone and solicit feedback from business owners. The California Legislature approved Senate Bill 969 in 2024 which permits cities to designate areas where the open consumption of alcohol would be permitted on public streets and sidewalks during specific days and hours. Patrons at eligible bars and restaurants would be able to leave the premises with open alcoholic beverages to be consumed in the designated entertainment zone. Beverages would not be permitted in open metal or glass containers, and outside drinks would not be allowed. The staff report states that the Rainbow District could be designated in part or in whole as an entertainment zone and a pilot program could implement the zone during large events such as WeHo Pride and the Halloween Carnaval. The report also said that city staff could determine if other parts of the city are better suited as entertainment zones, but did not specify where. If adopted, the entertainment zone would be reviewed every two years.

Meister cited the concerns of different neighborhood associations in her dissent, as well as public safety risks. A stabbing occurred following a brawl in the Rainbow District on Sept. 14.

“As it is, they have intoxicated people going into their neighborhoods and that’s without people having it out on the street,” she said. “I think some of these other areas that have entertainment zones have a more defined commercial district but our residential neighborhoods are just way too close for this to be something that I could support.”

Neighborhood leaders echoed her concerns.

“I do not support creating an entertainment zone for the Sunset Strip as the restaurants and clubs are not as concentrated, and Sunset is a very different beast from Santa Monica Boulevard,” said Elyse Eisenberg, chair of the West Hollywood Heights Neighborhood Association. “I don’t think it’s a good idea at all. We have enough drunk people wandering the streets of WeHo. Pickpockets, already a serious problem in the city, will come out in force if this is implemented.”

“We just had a stabbing on Santa Monica Boulevard the other night. Do we really need to add fuel to the fire?” Norma Triangle Neighborhood Watch co-captains Bobbie Edrick and Jim Banks wrote in a letter to the council. “We already have a designated ‘entertainment zone’ with the ‘Rainbow District.’ And we can tell you from a neighborhood perspective, we get a very large brunt of what goes on in that area and it’s only gotten worse over the years. Trash, noise, crime, violence – as pointed out with the stabbing that happened the other night. Sanctioning open drinking on the streets would be adding to a situation that we don’t fully have control of now.”

Visitors to the Rainbow District would be able to publicly consume
alcohol if the area is designated an entertainment zone. (photo by Jon Viscott)

In June, Santa Monica became the first city in Southern California to launch an entertainment zone, which operates on the Third Street Promenade on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Additionally, Long Beach implemented a pilot program and San Francisco has 21 entertainment zones adopted or pending across the city.

Andrew Thomas, CEO of Downtown Santa Monica Inc., said the Third Street Promenade was uniquely suited to host an entertainment zone and the impact has been positive.

“Unlike programs that convert roadways, the promenade was purpose-built as a pedestrian space, and this program enables us to capitalize on one of the country’s best-known public spaces,” he said. “The entertainment zone has been a terrific addition to Downtown Santa Monica. Promenade restaurants are seeing real benefits, and visitors love the opportunity to stroll outdoors with their favorite beverage while enjoying the weather, street performers and community events. It has added another layer of vibrancy and created a new way for people to experience the promenade. As with any new program, there are operational details to refine; however, the feedback from both businesses and the community has been overwhelmingly positive overall.”

Genevieve Morrill, president and CEO of the West Hollywood Chamber of Commerce encouraged the council to consider both the Rainbow District and the Sunset Strip as part of the program.

“This initiative is both timely and essential as many of our businesses continue to face financial challenges in maintaining profitability and ensuring long-term sustainability,” she said. “While our geography differs from enclosed models such as the Third Street Promenade, I have no doubt that West Hollywood’s staff can design innovative approaches uniquely suited to our commercial corridors. We encourage you to consider both the Rainbow District and the Sunset Strip as part of this program. The Strip, in particular, would greatly benefit from renewed energy and support for its businesses.”

Councilman John Erickson, who initiated the item, said the study was important to conduct to determine if safety concerns outweighed the benefits of implementing an entertainment zone.

“When our businesses thrive, our cities and communities do as well, and I hope that we all stand to gain because of this potential for our community,” he said. “I’m not particularly sold on any area but would love to ensure that Santa Monica Boulevard and Sunset, and even parts of Melrose, would be able to take advantage of this new opportunity to help our amazing businesses.”