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ACTION ITEM: Consideration - Review of Downtown Culver City Entertainment Zone Management Plan.
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Meeting Date: February 05, 2026
Contact Person/Dept: Luis Gonzalez, Economic and Cultural Development
Phone Number: (310) 253-5767
Fiscal Impact: Yes [] No [X] General Fund: Yes [] No [X]
Public Hearing: [] Action Item: [] Attachments: [X]
Public Notification: GovDelivery (01/30/26), Downtown Culver City Business Association (01/30/26), Chamber of Commerce (01/30/26)
Department Approval: Jesse Mays, Assistant City Manager (01/29/2026 )
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RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the Economic Development Subcommittee discussconsider the proposed Downtown Culver City Entertainment Zone management plan and provideand provide direction as deemed appropriate.
BACKGROUND
On March 3, 2025, the Downtown Culver City Business Association (DBA) requested that the City Council consider designating Downtown Culver City as an entertainment zone to incentivize visitation to Downtown, support existing events and boost economic activity. The City Council provided consensus to consider the item at a future time.
Senate Bill 969 permits California cities to designate entertainment zones, defined as specific areas in which licensed establishments may sell alcoholic beverages to patrons who may then roam freely within these zones during consumption.
On September 26, 2025, staff presented the concept and proposed boundaries of the entertainment zone to the Economic Development Subcommittee to get feedbackand received positive feedback. regarding the proposed boundaries and objectives of the zone. The Economic Development Subcommittee is supported the concept of designating an entertainment zone.
On October 13, 2025, the City Council approved the creation of the eEntertainment zZone with thecontingent on a proposed management plan to be presentedbe considered at a later date for execution of the management plan. (Aattachment 1)
The proposed EEntertainment ZZone encompasses the entirety of the Downtown Culver City Business Improvement District, generally bounded by Culver Boulevard between Madison Avenue and Venice Boulevard, and Washington Boulevard between Hughes Avenue and Culver Boulevard. The Zone is, inclusive of adjacent side streets up to the City boundary, including Main Street, Cardiff Avenue, and Watseka Avenue. The proposed zone also includes key civiccommunity and event spaces such as Town Plaza and The Culver Steps, which currently host numerous community and regionalspecial events.
Participation in the EEntertainment ZZone would be limited to existing brick-and-mortar businesses holding a valid on-salesite Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) license.
DISCUSSION
The Downtown Culver City EEntertainment ZZone is intended to function as an economic development and placemaking tool that supports downtown businesses, enhances visitor experiences, and builds upon thecompliments existing City and community special eventsCity’s existing special event infrastructure. By encouraging visitors to linger, socialize, and explore downtown during permitted events, the Entertainment Zone is expected to:
• Increase foot traffic and sales for participating restaurants and bars;
• Generate spillover benefits for surrounding retail and service businesses;
• Reinforce Downtown Culver City’s identity as a vibrant, walkable entertainment destination.
The proposed program aligns with state enabling legislation (SB 969) and is structured to operate only during permitted special events.
Management Plan ElementsThe Downtown Culver City Entertainment Zone is intended to function as an economic development and placemaking tool that supports downtown businesses, enhances visitor experiences, and builds upon the City’s existing special event infrastructure. The proposed program aligns with state enabling legislation (SB 969) and is structured to operate only during permitted special events, rather than as a continuous daily allowance.
A comprehensive Management Plan has been developed collaboratively by City staff and the DBADowntown Business Association (DBA) to ensure the Entertainment Zonethat the entertainment zone is is implemented in a safe, controlled, and predictableconsistent manner. The Management Plan establishes a clear operational framework addresses ing the following key elements:
• Activation Parameters: The Entertainment Zone would only be activated in conjunction with permitted special events approved by the City. Each activation would require a special event permit and compliance with all applicable City and ABC requirements.
• Hours of Operation: Alcohol sales and consumption within the Entertainment Zone would be limited to the specific hours to align with and/or approved for each event and would be subject to any additional restrictions imposed by the City or ABC.
• Participating Businesses: Only licensedregistered Downtown Culver City businesses with valid on-sale ABC licenses may sell alcoholic beverages for consumption within the eEntertainment zZone.
• Age Verification and Wristbands: Participating businesses are required to verify that patrons are 21 years of age or older and affix a DBA-branded wristband prior to selling alcoholic beverages to-go. Wristbands must be worn at all times while consuming alcohol within the zone.
• Container Requirements: Alcoholic beverages may not be served in glass, metal, or single-use plastic containers. All containers must comply with the City’s Waste Reduction Regulations and approval must be provided prior to distribution. .
• Boundary Controls and Signage: Clearly marked signage will be installed at zone boundaries and within participating businesses to inform patrons of applicable rules, including prohibition on removing open containerstravelling with an open container beyond the proposed from the Entertainment Zone and after special event or approved activation hours. .
• Security and Staffing: The Management Plan establishes baseline staffing guidelines for law enforcement, parking enforcement, and private security during Entertainment Zone activations. Staffing levels may be adjusted by the Culver City Police Department based on event size, safety status, and operational considerations.
• Street Closures: Larger activations may require partial or full street closures, subject to City review and approval through the special event permitting process.
Roles and Responsibilities
• Downtown Culver City Business Association (DBA): Serves as the Entertainment Zone lead, coordinates participating businesses, facilitates wristband distribution and container approvaln, and assists with event operations and security coordination.
• City of Culver City: Retains authority over ordinance administration, event permitting, public safety review, and ongoing oversight of the Management Plan.
• Participating Businesses: Responsible for compliance with all ABC regulations, age verification, container requirements, and adherence to Entertainment Zone rules.
The Entertainment Zone is designed to complement existing Downtown programming, including events such as the Summer Concert Series, Pride Ride & Festival, Third Wednesdays, Tree Lighting Sled-tacular, and Love Local initiatives. The DBA has also identified the Entertainment Zone as a tool to enhance visitor experiences associated with upcoming regional and international events, including the FIFA World Cup, Super Bowl, and 2028 Olympic Games.
By encouraging visitors to linger, socialize, and explore downtown during permitted events, the Entertainment Zone is expected to:
Increase foot traffic and sales for participating restaurants and bars;
Generate spillover benefits for surrounding retail and service businesses;
Reinforce Downtown Culver City’s identity as a vibrant, walkable entertainment destination.
The proposed management plan and ordinance will be brought to the City Council at a later date.
Both the management Plan and Ordinance must defines geographical boundaries of the entertainment zone; provides the hours during which the entertainment zone may be activated, and specifies the dates and/or events that would be allowed to make use of an entertainment zone.
The City Council would be required to review and update the ordinance every two years, relative to current dates and times.
Municipal Code Amendment
An amendment to Section 13.03.025 would be required to allow for service and consumption of beer and wine in Town Plaza. Culver City Municipal Code (CCMC) § 13.03.025 currently prohibits the consumption of beer, wine or alcoholic beverage while on any street, sidewalk, alley, highway, public playground or public park with the exception of . Section 13.02.025 allows the City Council to authorize the consumption of beer and wine at Veterans Park, or on any street, sidewalk, alley or highway that has been closed for a designated areas relative to City produced or City-sponsored event with the issuance of an Administrative Use Permit. An amendment to Section 13.03.025to this section of the CCMC would be required to allow for service and consumption of beer and wine in Town Plaza.the designated boundaries of the entertainment zone, including Town Plaza. Additionally, theAdditionally, the City Council would be required to review and update the ordinance every two years, relative to activation timeframes.
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ACTION ITEM - Discussion Regarding the Development of a Proposed Downtown Culver City Entertainment Zone Management Plan.
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Meeting Date: January 22February 5, 2026
Contact Person/Dept: Luis Gonzalez, Economic and Cultural Development
Phone Number: (310) 253-5767
Fiscal Impact: Yes [] No [X] General Fund: Yes [] No [X]
Public Hearing: [] Action Item: [] Attachments: [X]
Public Notification: GovDelivery (1/15/26)
Department Approval: Jesse Mays, Assistant City Manager ( )
_____________________________________________________________________
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the Economic Development Subcommittee discuss the proposed Downtown Culver City Entertainment Zone Mmanagement Pplan and provide direction as deemed appropriate.
BACKGROUND
Senate Bill 969 permits California cities to designate entertainment zones, defined as specific areas in which licensed establishments may sell alcoholic beverages to patrons who may then roam freely within these zones during consumption.
On October 13, 2025, the City Council approved the creation of the Entertainment Zone in Downtown Culver City pursuant to the development and approval of an operational management plan.
The proposed Entertainment Zone encompasses the entirety of the Downtown Culver City Business Improvement District, generally bounded by Culver Boulevard between Madison Avenue and Venice Boulevard, and Washington Boulevard between Hughes Avenue and Culver Boulevard, inclusive of adjacent side streets up to the City boundary, including Main Street, Cardiff Avenue, and Watseka Avenue. The proposed zone also includes key civic and event spaces such as Town Plaza and The Culver Steps, which currently host numerous community and regional events.
Participation in the Entertainment Zone would be limited to existing brick-and-mortar businesses holding a valid on-sale Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) license.
DISCUSSION
The Downtown Culver City Entertainment Zone is intended to function as an economic development and placemaking tool that supports downtown businesses, enhances visitor experiences, and builds upon the City’s existing special event infrastructure. The proposed program aligns with state enabling legislation (SB 969) and is structured to operate only during permitted special events.
A comprehensive Management Plan has been developed collaboratively by City staff and the Downtown Business Association (DBA) to ensure the Entertainment Zone is implemented in a safe, controlled, and predictable manner. The Management Plan establishes a clear operational framework addressing the following key elements:
Activation Parameters: The Entertainment Zone would only be activated in conjunction with permitted special events approved by the City. Each activation would require a special event permit and compliance with all applicable City and ABC requirements.
Hours of Operation: Alcohol sales and consumption within the Entertainment Zone would be limited to the specific hours approved for each event and would be subject to any additional restrictions imposed by the City or ABC.
Participating Businesses: Only registered Downtown Culver City businesses with valid on-sale ABC licenses may sell alcoholic beverages for consumption within the Entertainment Zone.
Age Verification and Wristbands: Participating businesses are required to verify that patrons are 21 years of age or older and affix a DBA-branded wristband prior to selling alcoholic beverages to-go. Wristbands must be worn at all times while consuming alcohol within the zone.
Container Requirements: Alcoholic beverages may not be served in glass, metal, or single-use plastic containers. All containers must comply with the City’s Waste Reduction Regulations.
Boundary Controls and Signage: Clearly marked signage will be installed at zone boundaries and within participating businesses to inform patrons of applicable rules, including prohibition on removing open containers from the Entertainment Zone.
Security and Staffing: The Management Plan establishes baseline staffing guidelines for law enforcement, parking enforcement, and private security during Entertainment Zone activations. Staffing levels may be adjusted by the Culver City Police Department based on event size, safety status, and operational considerations.
Street Closures: Larger activations may require partial or full street closures, subject to City review and approval through the special event permitting process.
Roles and Responsibilities
Downtown Culver City Business Association (DBA): Serves as the Entertainment Zone lead, coordinates participating businesses, facilitates wristband distribution, and assists with event operations and security coordination. to baseline standards.
City of Culver City: Retains authority over ordinance administration, event permitting, public safety review, and ongoing oversight of the Management Plan.
Participating Businesses: Responsible for compliance with all ABC regulations, age verification, container requirements, and adherence to Entertainment Zone rules.
Add in information about other jurisdiction management plans per our discussion and perhaps include a few as examples. Also include your proposed management plan.