In an effort to help businesses bounce back from the pandemic, Santa Monica's City Council approved a motion Tuesday to convert its Third Street Promenade into an entertainment zone by allowing public drinking with beverages from participating businesses.

The Santa Monica City Council has approved plans to designate part of the 3rd Street Promenade as an entertainment zone, loosening alcohol rules and more.

This marks the first time that a California city has approved a full-time entertainment zone. But keep in mind that California Senate Bill 969 law does allow for entertainment zones across the state, with San Francisco experimenting with an Oktoberfest event in 2024.