Street drinking approved for some downtown Fresno events. Here’s how ordinance works
The Fresno City Council approved a new permit that will allow patrons to take alcoholic drinks outside of bars and into the street during events in some areas of Fresno’s downtown Brewery District.
The ordinance established three “entertainment zones” along Fulton Street at a council meeting Thursday. The area is home to many popular bars and breweries, such as The Modernist and Tioga-Sequoia Brewing Company, and major city events, like the annual FresYes Fest and the monthly ArtHop.
One resident during public comment raised safety concerns around drunk driving. Another worried it would only benefit select bars while hurting small vendors, businesses and artists.
“This means the city gets to hand-pick who gets to throw any event downtown in that area,” Alfred Aldrete said.
Councilmember Mike Karbassi said he thought the entertainment zones were a “pretty cool idea,” and that if concerns come up in the future, the council has the authority to repeal the ordinance.
It was brought forward by Fresno’s planning and development department and aims to enhance the success of city events, support local businesses, increase economic activity and create a community-friendly, lively atmosphere, according to city documents.
To conduct an “entertainment zone event,” organizers would need to obtain a special permit from the city. After someone gets a drink from an established bar during one of these events, they would be able to enjoy it outside within the zone’s boundary.
Cities and counties are allowed to establish these zones under recently introduced Senate Bill 969 that was signed into law on Jan. 1, 2025. The purpose is to help revitalize downtowns, boost local economies and encourage more events. Some cities have used the bill to host wine walks and block parties.
Where are Fresno’s new entertainment zones?
The entertainment zones each include all public streets, sidewalks and public right-of-way within the three boundaries.
- Zone A would encompass Fulton Street, between the southern edge of Inyo Street and the northern edge of Mono Street.
- Zone B would encompass Fulton Street between the southern edge of Tulare Street and the northern edge of Mono Street. It includes Kern Street and east of Homerun Alley to Fulton Street.
- Zone C would encompass the eastern edge of Fulton Street, between the southern edge of Inyo Street, northern edge of Mono Street and the eastern edge of Broadway Street.
At the events, alcoholic beverages consumed by patrons in the zones must be purchased from bars and breweries within the area and may not be taken out of the zone. Plus, the outdoor consumption of alcohol may only occur between 10 a.m. and 11:59 p.m.
This story was originally published May 21, 2026 at 4:10 PM.