Willits Municipal Code Ch. 17.89 Entertainment Zones

This chapter establishes regulations for the creation of entertainment zones pursuant to the authority granted under California Business and Professions Code Section 25623, as amended by SB 969. The purpose is to promote economic development, enhance community events, and allow the regulated consumption of alcoholic beverages in designated public areas during approved special events. This Code authorizes the city to regulate the use of public rights-of-way and to require permits and conditions for temporary street closures, traffic control, and events.

(Ord. No. 2026-01, § 2, 3-11-26)

For the purposes of this chapter:

"Entertainment zone" or "zone" means an area designated by resolution of the city council where alcoholic beverages may be consumed in public rights-of-way during approved events.

"Licensed premises" means an establishment licensed by the department of alcoholic beverage control (ABC) for the sale of alcoholic beverages for on-site or off-site consumption.

"Open container" means any unsealed alcoholic beverage container in a non-glass, non-metal cup or receptacle.

"Zone operator" means the person or entity designated in the entertainment zone management plan responsible for compliance with this chapter and all applicable laws.

(Ord. No. 2026-01, § 2, 3-11-26)

A. The city council may, by resolution, establish entertainment zones. The resolution shall specify:

1. Geographic boundaries of the zone;

2. Authorized hours and days of operation;

3. Types of alcoholic beverages permitted;

4. Open container requirements;

5. Identification mechanisms (e.g., wristbands, stamps) for verifying age compliance;

6. Special conditions or limitations deemed necessary for public health and safety.

B. Entertainment zones shall only be active during city-authorized special events with an approved zoning permit with built in revocation authority.

C. Changes or alternative designated zones, boundaries, hours, or requirements may be adopted by future city council resolution without amending this ordinance.

D. Prior to establishing a new or modifying an existing entertainment zone, the city shall provide notice to all businesses and residents within or adjacent to proposed zone boundaries and hold a public hearing.

E. Any entertainment zones created will utilize existing infrastructure with no zoning or land use changes.

(Ord. No. 2026-01, § 2, 3-11-26)

A. Only ABC-licensed premises located within the boundaries of an entertainment zone may sell alcoholic beverages for off-site consumption in the zone, subject to compliance with the following:

1. The type of alcohol provided for consumption in the zone is authorized by the resolution establishing the zone.

2. Only specified beverage containers (no glass or metal) are allowed for on-the-go consumption; all containers must display the city or other approved event seal.

3. Deliveries of alcoholic beverages to consumers located within the entertainment zone are prohibited, unless the delivery is made to a licensed private business or residential address within the zone.

4. Patrons with open containers must exit licensed premises directly into the entertainment zone. Alcoholic beverages may not be consumed outside the designated boundaries or during unauthorized hours.

5. Otherwise comply with any applicable ABC requirement.

B. The zone operator shall be responsible for implementation of the measures outlined in the approved management plan submitted pursuant to Section 17.89.050.

C. Licensees must notify ABC and the city of their intent to participate in an established entertainment zone annually.

(Ord. No. 2026-01, § 2, 3-11-26)

A. An approved entertainment zone management plan shall be required for each event and shall include:

1. Zone operator designation with twenty-four/seven contact;

2. Security and public safety plan (subject to Willits police department review);

3. Trash and cleanup plan;

4. Boundary markings (signage, fencing, decals);

5. Procedures for age verification;

6. ABC compliance protocol;

7. Incident reporting procedures.

B. No alcohol consumption may occur within an entertainment zone without a city approved management plan.

C. Event organizers are responsible for costs related to signage, barriers, and compliance.

D. The management plan is subject to review and approval of the community development director or his/her designee.

(Ord. No. 2026-01, § 2, 3-11-26)

A. Prior to establishing any entertainment zone, the Willits police department shall review the proposed zone regarding public safety concerns, mitigation strategies, and proposed boundaries, hours, and event types.

B. Every two years, unless requested sooner by the chief of police, the city shall review the operation and impacts of each established entertainment zone in consultation with the Willits police department. Reports may be provided to ABC upon request.

(Ord. No. 2026-01, § 2, 3-11-26)

A. Noncompliance with this chapter or the approved management plan may lead to loss of the security deposit and could affect the zone operator's eligibility to obtain a zoning permit to host any future event in the entertainment zone.

B. The city reserves the right to suspend or revoke the use of an entertainment zone at any time if deemed necessary to protect public health and safety.

C. The city reserves the right to suspend or revoke the use of an entertainment zone at any time if the event becomes noncompliant with the management plan.

(Ord. No. 2026-01, § 2, 3-11-26)