Outdoor Drinking Could Come To Downtown Dixon: Report

DIXON, CA — Dixon officials are exploring a proposal to allow visitors to carry alcoholic drinks outside participating downtown businesses during designated hours or events, according to The Independent Voice.

The city directed staff to study the proposal during its Oct. 20 meeting. No entertainment zone has been approved, the newspaper reported.

The Downtown Dixon Business Association proposed the designation to attract visitors and boost sales for local businesses.

Jill Orr, the association's president, told The Independent Voice that downtown businesses have experienced declining activity over the past six months.

“It's concerning for us because most of us downtown don’t work on a big margin,” Orr said. “Any downtick is going to affect us quite a bit.”

The proposal has also raised concerns about potential costs and oversight. An entertainment zone could require additional security, signs, barriers and wristbands to identify eligible customers.

California's Senate Bill 969 allows cities and counties to establish entertainment zones where customers can consume alcoholic beverages in designated public areas, subject to restrictions.

Suisun City, Vacaville and Woodland are among the communities that have established similar zones, according to The Independent Voice.

In Dixon, council members asked staff to gather more information and consult with the Downtown Dixon Business Association before considering further action.

City officials are expected to report their findings in the coming months. No timeline for a final decision has been announced.

Read the original report from The Independent Voice.