Overview

• Santa Monica's City Council has approved turning the Third Street Promenade into an entertainment zone allowing outdoor alcohol consumption between Wilshire Boulevard and Broadway.
• The initiative aims to revitalize the Promenade, which has experienced a 30% decline in foot traffic and increased storefront vacancies since 2019.
• Public drinking will be permitted Fridays through Sundays from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m., with wristband protocols and restrictions on non-glass, non-metal containers.
• Concerns from residents and business owners include potential increases in crime, homelessness, and public safety challenges.
• The phased rollout begins in June, with city officials finalizing operational safeguards and exact schedules for the new ordinance.