Thousands attend SF's Oktoberfest on Front, 1st entertainment zone in CA

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — It’s a victory for bars and restaurants in San Francisco. The first entertainment zone event in California took place in San Francisco’s Front Street on Friday.

“This is a really big deal. What some people don’t know is that this is years and years in the making,” said Ben Bleiman, owner of Harrington’s Bar and Grill.

Bleiman is also the founder of the California Nightlife Association. The association was a key supporters of Senate Bill 76, which made entertainment zones possible.

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“We are fully staffed. I had to hire ringers to come in from my old businesses and friends of friends to come in because we don’t even have enough staff to cover what we are expecting,” said Bleiman.

Before SB 76 took effect this year, people had to consume alcoholic beverages in the bar or restaurant where they bought them. This bill makes it possible for people to carry those drinks onto the sidewalk or in the street of a designated entertainment zone.

“This new law that we passed gives cities the ability to decide whether they establish one of these entrainment zones and thus allow local bars and restaurants to participate,” said Senator Scott Wiener.

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Friday’s entertainment zone activation celebrates Oktoberfest. A one-day block party the city hopes will attract more people to the area.

“Downtown San Francisco is still sort of feeling the effects after the COVID-19 pandemic and we are really looking to view downtown in a different light. It’s not just a place for folks to come to work anymore. It’s actually a place to come and enjoy and a have a good time,” said Melissa Buckminster, Director of Marketing and communication for downtown SF Partnership.

Friday’s entertainment zone is one of many to come, according to Sen. Wiener.

“There will be more. There have been other parts of the city including one that already had street festivals that want to turn it into an entertainment zone,” said Sen. Wiener.