Redding launched California’s largest entertainment zone last summer in an effort to revitalize downtown, an approach Chico leaders are now considering.
The zones allow people 21 and older to carry open containers of alcohol on designated streets and sidewalks, after the state authorized them.
Chico Mayor Kasey Reynolds recently visited Redding to see how the concept works firsthand.
“It was a great trip,” Reynolds said. “We learned a lot.”
She brought the idea to the March 17 council meeting, proposing Chico explore something similar downtown.
“My hope is to at least have the conversation and look at would having something like this help activate the area and encourage people to come down,” Reynolds said.
The proposal comes after a wave of business closures. At least 10 downtown businesses have closed in the past year, adding to a growing sentiment among business owners, residents and city leaders that something needs to change.
At the council meeting, Councilmember Bryce Goldstein said creating some designated areas as entertainment zones could help support downtown businesses struggling with foot traffic.
“I've been to events at our coffee shops, bars, et cetera, and it gets hot in there and everybody wants to go outside, but you can't bring your beer outside,” she said.
But not everyone was immediately on board.
Councilmember Mike O’Brien, who formerly served as Chico’s police chief, said he supports the idea but wants to see local law enforcement involved in the process.
“We have a little bit of a history downtown with some issues with alcohol,” O’Brien said. “and I want to make sure we don't repeat any of the past mistakes.”
Reynolds said she’s been in conversation with police leadership and that the city would continue to keep the Police Department informed as discussions move forward.
Reynolds also emphasized that the idea is about more than drinking alcohol in public.
“It just allows more fluidity,” she said. “I think it will encourage people, maybe to host and do different events because it gives you a different way to activate the downtown.”
Redding recently expanded its entertainment zone after seeing early positive results. Reynolds said it may be time to take a page from Redding’s book.
“If Redding can do it, heck, Chico can do it,” she said.
