New Orleans has Bourbon Street and Las Vegas has the Strip. And San Francisco wants to add Front Street to its list of entertainment hotspots.
The newly announced proposal aims to take advantage of a new state law that allows cities to create “entertainment zones.”
A section of Front Street in downtown San Francisco is usually a St. Patrick's Day party spot, but a new proposal aims to make it a popular year-round street party spot.
“This entertainment zone will provide opportunities that will make it easier to get to Jesus and make it easier to create that opportunity,” said Mayor London Breed.
She said the block could look like the first Thursday event the city hosts downtown on Wednesday nights, unless it happens more often.
The idea is to close off this block and turn it into an entertainment zone with regular events.
Essentially, it is the first of its kind in the city and state.
A recently passed law authored by Sen. Scott Weiner would allow bars and restaurants on the block to serve alcohol to customers on the street.
That's something that state law prohibits during street fairs and other special events.
“With special permits, we can bring in outside vendors to sell beer, but locally owned mom and pops on the street, local bars and restaurants can't participate,” he said.
SB-76 changes that rule, but only affects San Francisco. The city would then have to approve an ordinance explaining what is allowed in that special entertainment zone.
Breed said he would like to waive fees for events such as street fairs and this special zone.
Local business owners say the plan, if approved, could breathe new life into the neighborhood.
“I think it's going to be a one-off event here at first,” said Harrington's Bar and Grill co-owner Duncan Ray. “We're looking to do it on a regular basis, like First Thursday or First Friday.” We'll try. After that, we might hold it all weekend.” , Said.
The city already has special daytime dining zones set up in shopping streets a few blocks away.
But the idea of a night entertainment zone on Front Street is to give people who work downtown a reason to stay there after work and attract more potential residents to the area.
The proposal still needs to be approved by the Board of Supervisors, President Aaron Peskin said. 's office has also been working with them since last year.” Yesterday, my staff met with the Mayor's Entertainment Director to see how we can collaborate on these types of activities throughout downtown. I feel very positive about it. If we work together, we can do something for our city! ”