City of Martinez Approves Downtown Entertainment Zone
MARTINEZ, CA – Last night, the Martinez City Council approved the creation of a Downtown Entertainment Zone, paving the way for new opportunities to activate downtown streets, support local businesses, and create more vibrant community experiences.
The Downtown Entertainment Zone will allow participating businesses to serve alcoholic beverages for consumption by those 21 years or older within designated outdoor areas during approved Entertainment Zone events. The program is designed to complement Martinez’s existing restaurants, bars, shops, events, and pedestrian-friendly downtown environment while bringing additional energy and activity to the heart of the community.
“This is about creating more reasons for people to come downtown, stay a little longer, and enjoy everything Martinez has to offer,” said Mayor Brianne Zorn. “Our downtown is already a special place, and the Downtown Entertainment Zone gives us another tool to create opportunities for residents and visitors to gather, celebrate, and experience Martinez together, while supporting our local businesses who are licensed to sell alcohol.”
“Downtown Martinez has so much to offer, and this gives us another way to bring people together and showcase our local businesses,” said Sarah Baird, Executive Director of Downtown Martinez & Co. “We see the Downtown Entertainment Zone as an opportunity to build on the momentum we already have downtown, and to encourage people to shop, dine, listen to music, attend events, and experience Martinez in a new way. We’re excited to work with the City and our downtown businesses to make it successful.”
The Downtown Entertainment Zone is part of the City’s broader effort to strengthen downtown Martinez as a destination for residents and visitors while supporting local economic activity. Similar programs in other California cities have been used to create new opportunities for outdoor dining, entertainment, and community events.
The City will announce additional information regarding the first Entertainment Zone activations, participating businesses, boundaries, and operating requirements as implementation moves forward.
