San Francisco’s Cole Valley will become the city’s newest entertainment district if legislation introduced by Mayor London N. Breed and Supervisor Rafael Mandelman is implemented. According to the City and County of San Francisco, this move, part of Mayor Breed’s broader economic recovery initiative, could result in neighborhood events where local businesses such as bars and restaurants sell alcoholic beverages for outdoor events can sell.
The potential entertainment zone in Cole Valley would follow in the footsteps of the two that have already found success in San Francisco – the first Zone, Front Street, and Thrive City, which served as the second Zone. Mandelman, who represents District 8, highlighted the neighborhood’s willingness to embrace such developments, particularly calling Cole Valley’s first-ever night market last Thursday “an overwhelming success” that demonstrated the community-building power of these zones , although they could allow restaurants and bars to expand the area with more places for outdoor drinking, which has raised concerns among some residents.
Mayor Breed emphasized that entertainment zones are critical to attracting and retaining residents and visitors, citing successful past events that have resulted in dramatic increases in revenue for participating businesses. Under SB 76, authored by Senator Scott Wiener, San Francisco has the authority to designate areas that allow the sale of alcoholic beverages during special events. Dan Serot, president of the Cole Valley Merchants Association and owner of Finnegans Wake, told the mayor’s office how the community looks forward to using the entertainment zone for future Cole Valley Nights markets and other events.
