Scrutiny rises over street-drinking ordinance for downtown Fresno events. Here’s why
A new ordinance that aims to allow street drinking at permitted downtown Fresno events has some residents concerned it will lead to an uptick in drunk driving and public safety issues.
The one-year pilot plan establishes three “entertainment zones” along Fulton Street in Fresno’s Brewery District, which was initially introduced at a May 21 council meeting. To conduct an event that allows street drinking, 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.
The ordinance came back to the council for reintroduction on June 4, due to the zone boundaries having shifted slightly at the previous council meeting, where several residents spoke out in opposition.
Lori Garcia, a retired elementary school teacher from Fresno, told the council she lost her brother when he was 16 years old to a drunk-driving crash. She said she feared street drinking events would lead other Fresno families to experience a tragedy similar to the one she faced.
“You have no idea how much of a lifetime of anguish is caused by the actions of one drunk driver,” Garcia said. “So much pain, and nothing alleviates it. Councilmembers come and go, but we residents must live with the consequences of your vote.”
Others said they were concerned that adding more alcohol to the area would lead to an increase in crime.
Fresno activist Alfred Aldrete said the zones would benefit some established businesses in the area, while omitting smaller local vendors and artists from participating in the events.
The “entertainment zone” plan was brought forward by Fresno’s Planning and Development Department and the Downtown Fresno Partnership. It 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.
Cities and counties are allowed to establish these zones under the recently introduced Senate Bill 969, which was signed into law on Jan. 1, 2025. The purpose is to help revitalize downtowns, boost local economies and encourage more events. Some cities, including San Francisco, have used the bill to host wine walks and block parties.
A few business owners within the Brewery District spoke out in favor of the ordinance at the meeting, including Michael Cruz, president of Tioga-Sequoia Brewing Co., who was speaking on behalf of a dozen businesses and stakeholders, he said.
“We wouldn’t be doing this if we felt there was an extreme concern for safety or any other public concerns that’s been coming up,” Cruz said. “I just want to voice our support.”
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. Businesses within the zones are not required to participate, and the outdoor consumption of alcohol can only occur between 10 a.m. and 11:59 p.m.
Eliott Balch, president of the Downtown Fresno Partnership, said, that generally, the interest has been in using the outdoor drinking for new events.
The reintroduction was approved June 4 by a 7-0 vote amid the public’s divided opinions and will be brought back for a final vote on June 18.
Because the proposal is a pilot program, if given final approval, it would expire one year after its effective date. About 10 months later, it would go back before the council to consider an extension.
Councilmember Mike Karbassi made it clear that if concerns come up surrounding entertainment zone events in the future, the council has full authority to repeal the ordinance at any time.
This story was originally published June 8, 2026 at 2:38 PM.