Santa Monica is working on a creative plan to draw people back to the Third Street Promenade: allowing customers to walk around the area sipping booze all day, every day.
Want to get caught up on what's happening in SoCal every weekday afternoon? Click to follow The L.A. Local wherever you get podcasts.
City staff had initially recommended a one-year pilot program to allow open alcohol consumption on the Promenade during at least three “special events.” But this week, City Council told staff to develop a more ambitious plan that would allow public drinking from 8 a.m. until 2 a.m. seven days a week.
Under the proposed program, businesses within the “entertainment zone” would be allowed to serve alcohol in containers that aren’t glass or metal. Customers over 21 would receive wristbands, and there would be signs to clearly mark the boundaries where drinking is permitted.
A man named Gary, who lives in Mar Vista, told KNX News’ Jon Baird he’s against the idea, fearing it would cause fights and robberies. But three visitors from Europe said, why not?
“Where I come from, you can drink wherever you want, whenever you want,” one man said.
A couple visiting from Oregon said they like the idea.
“I think it's kind of fun,” the woman said. “I mean, as long as you don't get too drunk, just like a little margarita walking around. It's pretty nice. But I mean, obviously don't overdo it.”
The initial entertainment zone would stretch from Wilshire Blvd. to Arizona Ave., but could eventually expand to a larger area. If the plan is approved, it could go into effect by June.
Follow KNX News 97.1 FM
Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok