City of Culver City
Staff Report
File #: 26-597, Version: 3 Item #: A-4.
CC - ACTION ITEM: (1) Receipt and Review of the Downtown Culver City Entertainment Zone Management Plan; (2) Introduction of an Ordinance Amending Culver City Municipal Code (CCMC) by Adding a New Chapter 11.35 and Amending Section 13.03.025; and (3) Direction to the City Manager as Deemed Appropriate.
Meeting Date: April 13, 2026
Contact Person/Dept.: Luis Gonzalez / Office of Economic and Cultural Development Phone Number: 310-253-5767
Fiscal Impact: Yes [X] No [] General Fund: Yes [] No [X] Attachments: Yes [X] No []
Public Notification: GovDelivery (04/06/2026), Downtown Culver City Business Association (04/06/2026), Chamber of Commerce (04/09/2026), (E-Mail) Meetings and Agendas - City Council (04/09/2026)
Department Approval: Elaine Warner, Economic Development Director (02/25/2026)
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council (1) receive and review the proposed Downtown Culver City Entertainment Zone management plan; (2) introduce a related ordinance amending the Culver City Municipal Code (CCMC) by adding a new Chapter 11.35 and amending Section 13.03.025; and (3) provide direction to the City Manager 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, 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.
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On September 26, 2025, staff presented the concept and proposed boundaries of the entertainment zone to the Economic Development Subcommittee for consideration and received positive feedback.
On October 13, 2025, the City Council approved the creation of the entertainment zone contingent on the development of a comprehensive management plan to be considered at a later date (Attachment 1).
On February 5, 2026, the Economic Development Subcommittee reviewed and approved the proposed Management Plan with some direction.
The proposed Entertainment Zone encompasses the majority 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 community and event spaces such as Town Plaza and The Culver Steps, which currently host numerous special events.
DISCUSSION
The Entertainment Zone is intended to function as an economic development and placemaking tool that supports downtown businesses, enhances visitor experience, and compliments existing City and community special events. 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; and · 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. Participation in the Entertainment Zone would be limited to existing brick-and-mortar businesses located within the boundaries of the Zone in Downtown Culver City holding a valid on-site Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) license.
Management Plan Elements
A comprehensive Management Plan has been developed collaboratively by City staff and the Downtown Business Association (DBA) to ensure that the entertainment zone is implemented in a safe, controlled, and consistent manner. The Management Plan addresses 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 in alignment with approved events occurring in Downtown and City of Culver City Printed on 4/9/2026Page 2 of 5
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would be subject to any additional restrictions imposed by the City. · Participating Businesses: Only licensed 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 for consumption off-premises and within the zone. 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 be approved by the City and 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 travelling with an open container beyond the proposed 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 and City Council approval.
Roles and Responsibilities
· Downtown Culver City Business Association (DBA): Serves as the Entertainment Zone lead, coordinates participating businesses, facilitates wristband distribution and container approval, 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.
Event Organizers interested in Entertainment Zone activation to enhance their events would work with the DBA and the City during the special event permit process. The DBA is responsible for coordinating with event organizers to recoup costs relative to security, containers, and signage as a result of activation. The preparation and implementation of a Management Plan is an administrative procedure and would be performed by the Economic Development Department under the proposed Ordinance going forward.
Municipal Code Amendment
Two amendments to the Culver City Municipal Code (CCMC) will be required. The first is an ordinance to establish the Entertainment Zone itself, by adding a new Chapter 11.35. This will also City of Culver City Printed on 4/9/2026Page 3 of 5
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ordinance to establish the Entertainment Zone itself, by adding a new Chapter 11.35. This will also authorize implementing regulations and the Management Plan. Additionally, 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 except for designated areas relative to City-produced or City-sponsored events with the issuance of an Administrative Use Permit. This section of the CCMC must therefore be amended to allow for service and consumption of beer and wine in the designated boundaries of the entertainment zone, including Town Plaza. Additionally, the City Council would be required to review and update the implementing ordinance every two years.
FISCAL ANALYSIS
The development of an entertainment zone would require City resources to update existing codes as well as for the implementation of the Management Plan. Costs associated with Entertainment Zone activation and staffing are proposed to be borne by the DBA, event organizers and/or sponsored by the City.
As proposed in the Management Plan, and as discussed with the Police Department, the minimum public safety cost to activate the Entertainment Zone is below:
Deployment of public safety during approved Entertainment Zone activations shall occur in conjunction and as a condition of the special event permit. As proposed this outlines the potential costs for activation during a 6-hour event. The Culver City Police Department shall require the following minimum for Entertainment Zone Activation: Two (2) Law Enforcement Officers and Six (6) Private Security Professionals.
If an event includes street closure, the deployment requirement is increased to: Four (4) Law Enforcement Officers, Two (2) Parking Enforcement Officers and 12 Private Security Professionals.
The above is not inclusive of additional fees associated with City permitting, additional staffing required, private security or other costs that may be incurred. Additional Life Safety officers may be assigned to an event, regardless of whether the Entertainment Zone is activated, as determined during the special event permit process.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Proposed Entertainment Zone Management Plan
2. Map of Downtown Culver City Boundary
3. Letters of Support
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4. Entertainment Zone Ordinance
5. Staff presentation to be presented during the City Council Meeting.
MOTION
That the City Council:
1. Receive and review the Downtown Culver City Entertainment Zone Management Plan;
2. Introduce an Ordinance Amending Culver City Municipal Code (CCMC) by adding a new Chapter 11.35 and amending § 13.03.025 relating to the establishment of an Entertainment Zone; and
3. Provide Direction to the City Manager as deemed appropriate.
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Draft – Downtown Culver City Entertainment Zone
Management Plan
April 2026
2 I. Program Objective and Overview
In October 2025 , the City Council approved the creation of a Downtown Culver City Entertainment Zone (the Zone) that encompasses the entirety of the current Downtown Business Improvement District. Entertainment Zones are designated areas wherein individuals may purchase “to-go” alcoholic beverages from local bars and restaurants, for consumption in designated public common areas, sidewalks and streets.
The Zone is intended to function as an economic development and placemaking tool that supports downtown businesses, enhances visitor experience, and compliments existing City and community special events. By encouraging visitors to linger, socialize, and explore Downtown during permitted events, the 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.
The implementation of a Management Plan (the Plan) provides for the safe, controlled and consiste nt operation of the Zone . The Management Plan establishes mandatory operating standards to ensure public health and safety. The City maintains the authority to evaluate, modify, or suspend the Entertainment Zone based on compliance and program performance.
II. Alignment with Culver City Municipal Code
Implementation of the Entertainment Zone require s an amendment to Culver City Municipal Code (CCMC) §13.03.025 to permit the consumption of beer and wine within the defined activation area. Currently, the CCMC prohibits the consumption of beer, wine or alcoholic beverage while on any street, sidewalk, alley, highway, public playground or public park unless it has been closed/activated for a City produced or City sponsored event with the issuance of an Administrative Use Permit.
III. Proposed Boundary
The Entertainment Zone shall comprise public streets, sidewalks, and public rights-of-way in alignment with the current boundaries of the Downtown Business Improvement District (Exhibit A). The Zone encompasses Culver Boulevard between Madison Avenue and Venice Boulevard and Washington Boulevard between Hughes Avenue and Culver Boulevard. It is inclusive of side streets to the City boundary including Main Street, Cardiff Avenue and Watseka Avenue.
3 IV. Management Plan Implementation and Operating Requirements
The Entertainment Zone is intended to be implemented through a coordinated partnership between the City of Culver City, the Downtown Culver City Business Association (DBA), participating businesses, and event organizers. The DBA serves as the program lead, while the City retains authority over permitting, public safety coordination, and ongoing administration.
Implementation Organizations
The Culver City Entertainment Zone is operated in partnership by the following entities:
I. Downtown Culver City Business Association (DBA)
a. The Downtown Culver City Business Association shall serve as the lead point of contact for the Entertainment Zone and coordinate with the participating businesses and event producers to manage the Plan requirements and serves as the point of contact for activations. b. The DBA shall provide and distribute custom branded wristbands, cups, and other items necessary for the activation of the Entertainment Zone per the approval of the City.
II. Businesses
a. Participating businesses are those located within the Entertainment Zone boundaries, with current on-site alcohol licenses as approved by the California Alcoholic Beverage Control.
b. All Participating businesses must have a current Culver City Business License.
III. The City
a. The City approves the activation of the Entertainment Zone pursuant to the special event permit process, Management Plan and CCMC.
Activation and Permitting
The Management Plan allows for activation of the Entertainment Zone to compliment certain City produced/sponsored events as noted below:
• Annual Culver City Car Show
• Annual Downtown Culver City Independence Celebration
• Summer Concert Series
• Third Wednesdays
• Culver City Pride & Rally
• Downtown Culver City Holiday Tree Lighting Sled-tacular 4 All activations must receive a special event permit from the City of Culver City. Event organizers wishing to activate the Entertainment Zone in conjunction with their event, are required to coordinate with the DBA prior to submission of the permit. Th e DBA shall serve as the lead point of contact to activate the Entertainment Zone however the event producer will be responsible for all associated event and security fees.
For events not outlined above, a formal written request must be submitted by the DBA to the City Manager’s Office requesting activation of the Entertainment Zone. Additional events may be approved at the discretion of the City Manager relative to the goals of Entertainment Zone.
Hours of Operation
The Entertainment Zone shall only be activated during approved special events and the hours shall align with the timeframe indicated on the special event permit (excluding load- in and load-out).
Age Verification
Participating businesses shall be required to ensure age verification and shall affix a City approved/DBA branded wristband to any individual purchasing an alcoholic beverage pursuant to standards required by ABC. Wristbands shall be worn at all times within the Entertainment Zone. Individuals consuming beverages without the appropriate wristband may be subject to certain penalties as noted in the CCMC.
Containers
Containers are required to be approved by the City and the DBA shall not be glass, metal or single use plastic. Containers may be disposable, however compliance with the City’s Waste Reduction Regulations (CCMC 5.07) is required.
Purchase and Consumption
Alcoholic beverages consumed within the Entertainment Zone must be purchased at a Participating Business pursuant to management plan policies. No o utside alcohol is permitted and individuals consuming beverages from a non -participating business may be subject to certain penalties as noted in the CCMC.
Alcoholic beverages purchased at one Participating Business may not be brought into any other business regardless of if they are a Participating Business. Beverages purchased from Participating Business must be consumed within the Entertainment Zone boundary.
5 Boundaries and Signage
No alcoholic beverages may be consumed or carried beyond the boundary the Entertainment Zone.
Signage shall be located within all participating business and at the boundaries of the Entertainment Zone notifying the public of the activation limits. Signage shall be fabricated and installed by the DBA and/or event organizer as a condition of the special event permit approval by the City.
Minimum Public Safety Deployment for Entertainment Zone
Deployment of public safety during approved Entertainment Zone activations shall occur in conjunction and as a condition of the special event permit. The Culver City Police Department CCPD, shall require the following minimum for Entertainment Zone Activation: Two (2) Law Enforcement Officers + Six (6) Private Security Professionals.
If an event include s a street closure, the deployment requirement is increased to: Four (4) Law Enforcement Officers + Two (2) Parking Enforcement Officers + 12 Private Security Professionals
The above minimum deployment is a guideline recommendation based on non -elevated safety status and typical event elements. CCPD officials and the Sergeant in charge of permits may adjust the officer count based on elevated safety status, known factors, volume/ type of event and known safety considerations. The deployment guideline is only for Entertainment Zone activations and does not constitute automatic approval as each application is subject to review.
Additional Security Requirements
Additional Security may be required for certain events subject to the conditions of the CCPD designated special events officer. The DBA shall facilitate the provision and payment of additional private security as required per the special event permit activation.
IV. Compliance, Modification, and Evaluation
All operating requirements outlined in this plan are mandatory for the activation of the Zone. Failure to comply with these conditions or the creation of any significant health or safety concerns resulting from the operation of the Entertainment Zone may result in the modification or suspension. Any Participating Business that fails to comply with these operating requirements will be reported to the CCPD. Non-compliance could result in the business’s future ineligibility to participate within the Entertainment Zone.
The City of Culver City reserves the right to modify the Management Plan with revised operating requirements at any time and will evaluate the Entertainment Zone’s compliance every two years.
6 Exhibit A: Proposed Downtown Entertainment Zone Boundary
September 22, 2025
Mayor Dan O’Brien
Vice Mayor Freddy Puza
Members of the Culver City Council
9770 Culver Blvd.
Culver City, CA 90232
Re: Entertainment Zone Proposal
Dear Mayor, Vice Mayor, and Members of the City Council,
In February 2025, the CCDBA Board of Directors held a Strategic Planning Session focusing on the next three years, including the World Cup (2026) and the LA Olympics (2028). The Board enthusiastically supported the creation of an Entertainment Zone in Downtown Culver City.
The Entertainment Zone concept was pioneered in San Francisco and as of January 1, 2025, is now permissible in any city statewide. A number of other cities have authorized entertainment zones, including notably Long Beach and Santa Monica. On March 5, 2023, I asked Council to agendize this item and Council agreed to do so.
The purpose of the proposed Entertainment Zone is to help increase business activity in Downtown Culver City and make the area competitive with other places, such as West Hollywood and Santa Monica, that have enacted Entertainment Zones. An Entertainment Zone can be deployed to improve the impact to the community of the special events that take place in Downtown Culver City, including: World Cup watch parties, the Pride Ride, the Third Wednesday Events, the Culver City Car Show, the Sledtacular Holiday Tree Lighting, and other large events that take place in Downtown Culver City. At present, we envision this Entertainment Zone being activated only during permitted special events at this time. Although we are open to discussing a broader application of the Entertainment Zone in the future, such as happens in Santa Monica, we do not propose making such a rule at this time. We want to understand completely how well this works first.
Based on the experiences of other cities that support Entertainment Zones now, we know that they are safe, well-received by the public, and they help boost business revenue, which ultimately means more revenue for the City. Throughout much of the world, it is considered normal to be allowed to have an alcoholic drink in hand during fairs and events. I am optimistic the same will be true here, and that this will improve the viability of DTCC as a destination.
I do want to sound a note of caution about the possibility of charging fees. Although this proposal currently concerns special events, it would be a mistake to turn this Entertainment Zone into an additional burden on special event producers and small businesses. To make this Entertainment Zone work best, the City should consider allocating existing police resources to the Downtown during special events whenever possible, or budgeting a small amount for additional overtime as needed. The City only actually incurs out-of-pocket costs for public safety when it schedules additional shifts or overtime hours for public safety officers or life safety officers outside of the regular duty.
Sincerely,
Darrel Menthe
Darrel Menthe,
Executive Director, Culver City Downtown Business Association Dear Members of the Culver City City Council,
On behalf of The Culver Hotel, I am writing to express our strong support for the proposed establishment of an “Entertainment Zone” in Downtown Culver City, as presented by the Culver City Downtown Business Association (CCDBA). We believe this initiative has the potential to significantly enhance the vibrancy, economic activity, and overall experience of special events in our downtown area. Allowing alcohol consumption in designated public places offers a safe and controlled means of creating a more dynamic and attractive environment for residents and visitors alike.
As a tourist destination and a Culver City Landmark, we are always looking for ways to stay relevant.
Bringing more opportunities for people to gather and socialize will allow us to be more competitive amongst other tourist destinations like Santa Monica and Beverly Hills, and bring more revenue into the city.
We thank you for your consideration of this program and your continued efforts to support the growth and vitality of Downtown Culver City. The Culver Hotel stands ready to assist in ensuring the success of this endeavor and would welcome any opportunity to further discuss or support its implementation.
Sincerely,
Danielle Goller
General Manager
Culver Hotel
Dear Members of the Culver City City Council,
On behalf of Jameson’s Pub, I am writing to express our strong support for the proposed establishment of an “Entertainment Zone” in Downtown Culver City, as presented by the Culver City Downtown Business Association (CCDBA). We believe this initiative has the potential to significantly enhance the vibrancy, economic activity, and overall experience of special events in our downtown area. Allowing alcohol consumption in designated public places offers a safe and controlled means of creating a more dynamic and attractive environment for residents and visitors alike.
As a point of reference, we also operate a location on the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica, where a similar approach has been implemented. Based on our experience there, we’ve seen substantial benefits including increased tourism, higher sales, and the creation of new jobs. Importantly, we have not encountered any negative effects related to public safety or business operations.
We thank you for your consideration of this program and your continued efforts to support the growth and vitality of Downtown Culver City. Jameson’s Pub stands ready to assist in ensuring the success of this endeavor and would welcome any opportunity to further discuss or support its implementation.
Sincerely,
Michael Bezerra
Owner/Manager
Jameson’s Pub
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ORDINANCE NO. 2026 -____
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF CULVER CITY,
CALIFORNIA, ADDING A NEW CHAPTER 11.35 AND
AMENDING SECTION 13.03.025 OF THE CULVER CITY
MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO THE ESTABLISHMENT
OF AN ENTERTAINMENT ZONE
WHEREAS, the City of Culver City continues to suffer the effects of a regional and national economic downturn which has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, recent Southern California wildfires, and continuing economic challenges nationwide, and these effects are acutely felt by the restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues in the Downtown area; and
WHEREAS, across the country, numerous states, including Michigan, Ohio, North Carolina, and Kansas, have found success enlivening communities through the designation of areas where businesses may sell alcoholic beverages for consumption within public spaces adjacent to their licensed premises; and WHEREAS, in 2025, the State of California adopted Senate Bill 969, which authorizes cities and counties to create by ordinance Entertainment Zones to enable restaurants and bars to sell open containers of approved alcoholic beverages for consumption within Entertainment Zones; and
WHEREAS, the City has an important government interest in maintaining a thriving business community and protecting the health, safety, and economic welfare of its citizens and businesses; and
WHEREAS, the continued impact of the pandemic, along with the impacts of the recent California wildfires, have resulted in businesses, and particularly restaurants and entertainment venues, suffering significant economic hardships; and WHEREAS, allowing people to buy open container drinks from local bars, restaurants, wineries, and breweries and enjoy them outside in designated public spaces
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during certain hours for the purpose of creating active, commercial corridors, will stimulate economic recovery.
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Culver City DOES HEREBY ORDAIN as follows:
SECTION 1. Title 11, Business Regulations, of the Culver City Municipal Code is hereby amended to add a new Chapter 11.35 to read as follows:
CHAPTER 11.35: ENTERTAINMENT ZONE .
§ 11.35.010 PURPOSE.
The purpose of this Chapter is to establish a process by which to create Entertainment Zones within the City of Culver City , as authorized by 23039.5 of the California Business and Professions Code, where people can buy open container drinks (alcoholic drinks “to -go”) from local bars, restaurants, wineries, and breweries and enjoy them outside in common spaces like plazas, sidewalks, and streets during certain hours for the purposes of creating active, commercial corridors, catalyze broader economic stimulus and ensure equitable program benefits while making Culver City a vibrant cultural hub.
§ 11.35.020 DEFINITIONS .
For the purposes of this Chapter, the following definitions shall apply:
ABC. The California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.
Entertainment Zone . This term has the meaning set forth in Section 23039.5 of the California Business and Professions Code, as may be amended from time to time.
Entertainment Zone Event or Activation. An event or activation which
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occurs within the boundaries of an Entertainment Zone established in accordance with this Chapter and the Management Plan for the Entertainment Zone.
Licensee. Any person, business, or other entity duly licensed to sell alcoholic beverages.
Management Plan . A plan approved by the Economic and Cultural Development Department for the management and regulation of an Entertainment Zone.
§ 11.35.030 Entertainment Zone
A. Downtown Culver City Entertainment Zone
1. All public streets, sidewalks, and public rights -of-way along the following streets, and within the boundaries depicted on the map in subsection 2 below , are hereby designated as the Downtown Culver City Entertainment Zone under Sections 23039.5 and 25690 of the California Business and Professions Code:
• Beginning at the intersection of Canfield Avenue and Culver Boulevard; thence southerly along Culver Boulevard
approximately 600 feet to its intersection with Main Street; thence westerly along Main Street approximately 250 feet. • From the intersection of Culver Boulevard and Main Street to Watseka Avenue then along Washington Boulevard, to its
intersection with Hughes Avenue ; then Southeasterly
along Duquesne to Culver Boulevard; then Northeast to
Irving Place; t hence easterly along Irving Place to School
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Street; thence northeast along School Street to Van Buren Place; thence southeast along Van Buren Place
approximately 250 feet.
• From School Street and Van Buren Place Northwest along the alleyway approximately 300 feet; thence Northeast to Washington Boulevard and then Northwest approximately
900 feet to the intersection of Washington Boulevard and Culver Boulevard.
2. The following map depicts the boundaries of the
Entertainment Zone, and to the extent there is any conflict between the description above and the map, the map shall control.
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B. Outdoor consumption of alcoholic beverages within the Entertainment Zone is authorized during the time period specified in connection with a Special Event Permit , so long as at least one licensee within the boundaries of the Entertainment Zone is permitted to sell alcoholic beverages during those hours for consumption on the premises. Hours of operation are subject to any additional limitations imposed by any ABC permit or license and by the Management Plan for the Entertainment Zone.
C. Off-site sale of open alcoholic containers by a participating holder of an ABC license or permit may consist of beer, wine, and/or distilled spirits subject to the conditions and limitations imposed on the establishment by their local entitlements or ABC privileges, and any additional limitations imposed by the Management Plan for the Downtown Culver City Entertainment Zone.
§ 11.35.040 Controls and Compliance with Laws
A. All licensees and organizations sponsoring or selling alcoholic beverages within the Downtown Culver City Entertainment Zone shall comply with all applicable state and local laws and regulations, including but not limited to the following:
1. All applicable ABC license and permitting requirements;
2. Sections 23357, 23358, and 23396 of the California
Business and Professions Code, as may be amended from time to time;
3. All other laws governing the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages and all permits and licenses issued pursuant thereto;
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4. Applicable road closure regulations and procedures;
5. Applicable municipal laws, policies, and regulations;
6. Any applicable Administrative Regulations issued by the City pursuant to this Chapter, including conditions set forth in the Management Plan for the Downtown Culver City Entertainment Zone.
7. To the extent anything in this Chapter is inconsistent with Chapter 17.400 of this Code, the provisions of this Chapter shall control.
B. Open alcoholic beverages may be consumed on any public street, avenue, sidewalk, stairway, alley, or thoroughfare within the Downtown Culver City Entertainment Zone, as set forth in subsection D of section 13.03.025, Consumption Of Alcoholic Beverages On Streets And Public Parks , of this Code, subject to any other restrictions imposed by state or local law.
C. All open alcoholic beverages shall be purchased only from a premises located within the Downtown Culver City Entertainment Zone that is authorized under California Business and Professions Code Section 23357, 23358, or 23396, as may be amended from time to time, to permit consumers to leave the premises with open containers of alcoholic beverages for consumption off the premise, or an organization that is authorized by an ABC special event permit or license to make such sales within the Downtown Culver City Entertainment Zone.
D. No alcoholic beverages purchased at a participating licensed premises may leave the premises in an open glass or metal container.
E. Delivery of alcoholic beverages to consumers within the Downtown
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Culver City Entertainment Zone by a participating licensee or third-party delivery service is prohibited unless the delivery is to a residential building or private business that is not a licensee.
F. Signs within an Entertainment Zone related to Entertainment Zone Events shall be considered “Temporary Signs” pursuant to Section 17.330.015 for the purpose of Chapter 17.330 Signs. Window or other signage visible from within the Entertainment Zone may advertise beer or alcohol so long as it is done in connection with an Entertainment Zone Event.
§ 11.35.050 Implementation
A. Upon the establishment or modification of an Entertainment Zone, the Economic and Cultural Development Department is authorized to and shall do the following:
1. In consultation with the Police Department, provide the following information to ABC, pursuant to Section 25690 of the California Business and Professions Code:
a. A copy of the ordinance establishing or modifying the Entertainment Zone;
b. information as may be necessary to identify the
boundaries of the Entertainment Zone;
c. the days and hours of operation of the Entertainment Zone; d. the types of alcoholic beverages permitted within the Entertainment Zone;
e. the approved non-glass and non-metal containers in
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which alcoholic beverages may be authorized; and
2. Issue a Management Plan for the Entertainment Zone as follows:
a. The Management Plan shall establish the process or
procedure to readily identify individuals purchasing or consuming alcoholic beverages within the Entertainment
Zone as being 21 years of age or older;
b. The Management Plan may include requirements not
otherwise imposed by state or local law, but which are nonetheless enforceable pursuant to this Chapter;
c. Upon issuance or revision of a Management Plan, the
Economic and Cultural Development Department shall
transmit a copy of the Plan to ABC.
d. Any holder of an ABC license or permit that wishes to allow customers to leave the premises with open containers of alcoholic beverages for consumption off the premises
within the Entertainment Zone shall provide to the
Economic and Cultural Department a copy of the notice
provided to ABC under Section 23357, 23358, or 23396 of the California Business and Professions Code, as
applicable, at the same time such notice is provided to ABC. In addition, participating licensees may be required to submit a participation agreement to the City notifying the City of their intent to participate in the Entertainment Zone.
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§ 11.35.060 Administrative Regulations
A. The Director of the Economic and Cultural Department may adopt administrative regulations to implement the provisions of this Chapter, including, but not limited to, application procedures, permit conditions and requirements, and health and safety measures. The Director may revise these regulations from time to time as they deem appropriate. The Entertainment Zone Management Plan shall be considered an enforceable administrative regulation.
B. No person shall fail to comply with the City’s administrative regulations.
§ 11.35.070 Periodic Review
The City, in conjunction with local law enforcement, shall review the operation of each Entertainment Zone six months after its activation and every two years following its adoption to ensure the Entertainment Zone is being maintained in a manner that protects the health and safety of the general public. Any reports made during the review shall be made available to ABC upon request. § 11.35.080 Enforcement
A. Any person who violates any provision of this Chapter, including any administrative regulations, shall be guilty of an infraction, which shall be punishable by a fine not exceeding $250, or a misdemeanor, which shall be punishable by a fine not exceeding $500 per violation or by imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or by both such fine and imprisonment.
B. Any person who violates this Chapter, including any administrative regulations, shall be subject to administrative fines and administrative penalties pursuant to Chapter 1.02 of this Code.
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C. Any participating licensee who violates this Chapter may be subject to suspension or revocation of their right to participate in the Entertainment Zone. The City may promulgate administrative regulations to implement this section.
D. Any person convicted of violating this Chapter in a criminal case, or found to be in violation of this Chapter in a civil or administrative case brought by a law enforcement agency, shall be ordered to reimburse the City and other participating law enforcement agencies their full investigative costs.
SECTION 2. Section 13.03.025 of the Culver City Municipal Code shall be amended as follows (addition denoted by underlined text):
§ 13.03.025 Consumption of Alcoholic Beverages on Streets and Public Parks
A. No person shall consume any beer, wine or alcoholic beverage while on any street, sidewalk, alley, highway, public playground or public park. Possession of any bottle, can or other receptacle, containing any beer, wine or alcoholic beverage which has been opened or a seal broken, or the contents of which have been partially removed, while on any street, sidewalk, alley, highway, public playground or public park creates a rebuttal presumption that the person possessing the same is consuming its contents. For purposes of this Section, the interior of the Veterans' Memorial Building or the Ivy Substation shall not be considered to be within a public playground or park, and the consumption of alcohol within a duly licensed outdoor dining area shall not be considered to be on a sidewalk. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Subsection, the City Council shall have the authority to grant by resolution an alcohol use permit for the service and consumption of beer and/or wine (as “beer” and “wine” are defined in Cal.
Bus. & Prof. Code §§ 23006 and 23007, as amended) in a controlled space at a City -
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produced or City-sponsored event, located in Veterans’ Memorial Park, or on any street, sidewalk, alley, or highway that has been closed for a City produced or City -sponsored event, upon finding that the issuance of a permit will not be detrimental to the public health, safety or general welfare.
B. This Section shall not be deemed to make punishable any act or acts which are prohibited by any law of the State.
C. Any person who violates or fails to comply with the provisions of this Section shall be guilty of an infraction which shall be punishable pursuant to § 1.01.045 of this Code; except when a person has been convicted of three (3) or more violations of this Section within the twelve (12) months immediately preceding the violation, and then it shall be punishable as a misdemeanor pursuant to § 1.01.040 of this Code. For the purposes of this division, each prior violation which is either admitted by the defendant or alleged in an accusatory pleading, or where defendant forfeited bail, shall be deemed a conviction. For this purpose, a bail forfeiture shall be deemed to be a conviction of the offense charged.
D. This Section shall not apply to any person on public property designated as an Entertainment Zone authorized pursuant to Chapter 11.35 of this Code during the hours of Entertainment Zone activation, when the beverage is purchased from a licensed Entertainment Zone premises or vendor and is in an authorized Entertainment Zone container in compliance with the regulations imposed by Chapter 11.35 of this Code.
SECTION 3. The City Council finds that adoption of this Ordinance is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) because: (i) it is not a project within the meaning of Public Resources Code, section 21065 because it has no potential to alter
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the physical environment; (ii) and pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15061(b)(3), the so-called “common sense” exemption, for this same reason.
SECTION 4. Pursuant to Section 619 of the City Charter, this Ordinance shall take effect thirty (30) days after its adoption. Pursuant to Section 616 and 621 of the City Charter, prior to the expiration of fifteen (15) days after the adoption, the City Clerk shall cause this Ordinance, or a summary thereof, to be published in the Culver City News and shall post this Ordinance or a summary thereof in at least three (3) places within the City.
SECTION 5. The City Council hereby declares that, if any provision, section, subsection, paragraph, sentence, phrase or word of this Ordinance is rendered or declared invalid or unconstitutional by any final action in a court of competent jurisdiction or by reason or any preemptive legislation, then the City Council would have independently adopted the remaining provisions, sections, subsections, paragraphs, sentences, phrases, or words of this Ordinance, and as such they shall remain in full force and effect.
APPROVED and ADOPTED this _____ day of ___________, 2026.
FREDDY PUZA, Mayor
City of Culver City, California
ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
JEREMY BOCCHINO HEATHER BAKER
City Clerk City Attorney
DOWNTOWN CULVER CITY
ENTERTAINMENT ZONE
PROPOSED BOUNDARIES
• Encompasses the area from Duquesne
Ave. to Ince Blvd. following Culver Blvd.
and Washington Blvd. including side
streets within the zone.
• Can only be activated during special
events.
• Allows for residents and visitors to grab
an alcoholic beverage during special
events and drink within the zone.
• Management Plan provides guidelines
for activations.