Vacaville Considers Allowing Public Alcohol Consumption in Downtown Entertainment Zones

City leaders aim to boost downtown business and community events with new state law enabling designated zones.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The City of Vacaville is exploring the creation of designated entertainment zones in its downtown area that would allow for public consumption of alcohol. This is made possible by a new California law that went into effect in 2025, enabling cities and counties to establish such zones. Vacaville hopes the move will support local businesses and create a more vibrant downtown atmosphere, though some residents have expressed concerns about potential negative impacts.

Why it matters

Vacaville's consideration of entertainment zones reflects a broader trend in California, with cities like Sacramento and Loomis also exploring similar initiatives. These zones aim to boost economic activity and community engagement in downtown areas, but must balance business interests with public safety and quality of life concerns.

The details

Under the proposed entertainment zones, restaurants and bars would be able to sell alcohol in open containers that could be carried into designated public spaces. Vacaville sees this as a way to support downtown businesses and events like the farmers market, festivals, and live music. However, some residents have raised issues around limited parking and the potential for increased alcohol consumption to negatively impact the environment. The city is working to address these concerns as it drafts an ordinance to present to the city council.

  • In January 2025, a new California law went into effect allowing cities and counties to create designated entertainment zones for public alcohol consumption.
  • Vacaville hosted its first community meeting on the entertainment zone proposal on Thursday, February 13, 2026.
  • The next community meeting on the project is scheduled for Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at 2 p.m.

The players

Erin Morris

Vacaville's community and economic development director, who explained the city's approach to creating entertainment zones as a "balancing act."

Leslie Silver

Owner of the School of Rock in downtown Vacaville, who welcomes the idea of entertainment zones to bring more foot traffic and a fun atmosphere to the area.

Kelly Pledger

Owner of La Borgata Italian Deli, who expressed concerns about the potential negative impacts of increased alcohol consumption downtown.

Captain Katie Cardona

With the Vacaville Police Department, who said the department wants to be involved in the planning process to adequately support downtown businesses and the public.

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What they’re saying

“An entertainment zone, if established, can allow restaurants and bars to sell alcohol in basically open containers, and those open containers can be carried into designated public spaces.”

— Erin Morris, Vacaville's community and economic development director (cbsnews.com)

“I think it's a super positive thing for downtown businesses, for the community.”

— Leslie Silver, School of Rock Vacaville owner (cbsnews.com)

“It could bring more business downtown. But you know, we do want to make sure that it is safe for everyone, even families.”

— Kelly Pledger, Owner of La Borgata Italian Deli (cbsnews.com)

“We want to make sure we're involved in the planning process so that way we can adequately support downtown businesses and the people that want to come downtown and enjoy these events.”

— Captain Katie Cardona, Vacaville Police Department (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

The city of Vacaville will host another community meeting on the entertainment zone proposal on Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at 2 p.m. to gather further feedback from residents and business owners as it works to draft an ordinance to present to the city council.

The takeaway

Vacaville's consideration of designated entertainment zones reflects a broader trend in California as cities seek to balance supporting local businesses and creating vibrant downtown areas with concerns about public safety and quality of life. The outcome of Vacaville's proposal will be closely watched as an example of how communities are navigating this complex issue.