A new entertainment zone has launched in San Francisco’s South of Market neighborhood to help increase foot traffic and boost nightlife, Supervisor Matt Dorsey announced this week.
Entertainment zones are designated areas where alcoholic drinks can be consumed in public outdoor spaces during certain times of the week. San Francisco already has more than a dozen entertainment zones.
State Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco, authored the legislation allowing cities and counties to create entertainment zones with the goal of increasing activity and supporting small businesses.
The new West SoMa Entertainment Zone is located along Folsom Street in the city’s Leather and LGBTQ Cultural District, an area with a long history of LGBTQ+ nightlife. The district is bordered by Howard Street, U.S. Highway 101, Interstate Highway 80 and Seventh Street. Participating bars and restaurants can sell alcoholic beverages to-go for patrons to enjoy outdoors within the zone’s boundaries.
The entertainment zone was launched by Dorsey in partnership with Mayor Daniel Lurie and neighborhood community organizations.
“West SoMa is home to a rich LGBTQ and Leather history that continues to shape San Francisco’s cultural identity,” Dorsey said. “This Entertainment Zone honors that legacy while creating new opportunities for the community to gather, celebrate, and experience the venues and institutions that have made the neighborhood a destination.”
The zone took effect earlier this month, with sidewalk activations operating Thursdays through Sundays from 11 a.m. to midnight. It may be expanded during major events such as the Folsom Street Fair, Bearrison Street Fair and the upcoming Up Your Alley block party on Sunday.
There are currently 12 participating bars, including Audio Nightclub, Butter, BuzzWorks, Cat Club, Oasis and The Stud. Eligible businesses within the zone may join by meeting participation requirements, including verifying that customers purchasing alcohol are at least 21 years old and serving to-go drinks in nonmetal, nonglass containers.
“This monumental legislation will facilitate an all-new outdoor vibe for Butter and BuzzWorks guests, cultivating a scene every weekend where guests can comfortably mingle with guests from other nearby venues and bars,” Vlad Cood, owner of Butter and BuzzWorks, said in a statement.
“The West SoMa Entertainment Zone will bring more people to the Folsom Street corridor, creating new opportunities for residents and visitors to come together while supporting local businesses,” Lurie said in a statement.