Downtown Chico

Chico has approved entertainment zones where people can carry alcoholic drinks outdoors in parts of downtown and Meriam Park. Here's how the program will work.

Chico City Council voted Tuesday to create "entertainment zones" in parts of downtown and Meriam Park. NSPR's Claudia Brancart explains how they'll work, who's allowed to participate and the rules businesses and customers will have to follow.

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The “entertainment zones” will be in a large swath of downtown and in Meriam Park. City officials hope they will help boost business.

Redding’s entertainment zone — which allows people to carry alcoholic beverages in specific parts of downtown — has helped businesses, according to the city.

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Visitors will soon be able to park for free for up to two hours in downtown Chico's long-term city lots. Leaders hope the pilot program will encourage more people to spend time and shop downtown.