Santa Monica proposal would allow public drinking in Third Street Promenade

Imagine walking down Santa Monica's iconic Third Street Promenade with a drink in hand and soaking in the Southern California sun. 

That could be a reality soon, after city leaders gave the green light to a sweeping new plan. 

"If we want to bring our tourists and regional visitors back downtown, I think we need to make it worth their while," Santa Monica Mayor Pro Tem Caroline Torosis said. 

The City Council is asking for a full-time entertainment zone that would allow public alcohol consumption between 8 a.m. and 2 a.m. every day. 

Some residents argue Santa Monica has fallen on hard times, especially since the pandemic, with fewer crowds in its most popular areas. Some think the new idea could bring the visitors back. 

"We can create an entertainment zone that would be the envy of the rest of the city," one resident said during a recent council meeting. "We can be the place to go out. We can be the place where tourists want to be and this is a great first step."

The initial zone would run between Wilshire Boulevard and Arizona Avenue, but the city hopes to expand the area in the future. Signs would be placed to highlight the areas where drinking is allowed. Drinkers would need to wear wristbands and, of course, be 21 or older. Alcoholic drinks would also need to be served in containers that are not made of glass or metal. 

City leaders and residents raised some concerns, mainly over security and whether more police should be in the area. Supporters said other cities across the country have made the idea work and believe Santa Monica can too. 

"This is easy," former Mayor Gleam Davis said. "The sooner we get it up and running, the more successful it's going to be."

The city expects a final draft of the ordinance to be presented in May. If approved, open container zones could debut as soon as June.