Oktoberfest to be SF's first "entertainment zone" event

Oktoberfest on Front will be San Francisco's first event to take advantage of "entertainment zone" legislation allowing businesses to sell alcoholic drinks to-go during special events.

Why it matters: The entertainment zones are part of the city's efforts to make downtown San Francisco a place to be again while supporting small businesses and economic development.

Driving the news: City officials and community organizations announced on Thursday three businesses — Schroeder's, Harrington's Bar & Grill and Royal Exchange — will be allowed to sell booze to go at Oktoberfest on Front in September.

• Oktoberfest will be bigger than before, featuring live music, beer chugging, ax throwing and other German-inspired activities.
• Roads in the entertainment zone on Front Street between California and Sacramento streets will be closed to vehicles to encourage foot traffic.

What they're saying: The event is an opportunity to show the city and state "just how rad these zones can be and how good music, good vibes and old-fashioned good times can help our beloved downtown San Francisco surge back in full, magnificent glory," Ben Bleimen, managing partner of Harrington's operator Tonic Nightlife Group, said in a statement.

Context: The entertainment zone was made possible by state Sen. Scott Wiener's Senate Bill 76, which went into effect this year.

• The legislation permits bars, restaurants, wineries and breweries to sell alcohol to go for consumption in special event zones and during other sanctioned times.
• It "paves the way for a nightlife renaissance in San Francisco's Downtown and neighborhoods citywide," Mayor London Breed said in a press release.

By the numbers: San Francisco's downtown visitor activity dropped over 21% between March 2023 and this past February, according to researchers at the University of Toronto's School of Cities.

What's next: Oktoberfest is Sept. 20 from 2-10pm.

• Meanwhile, the city is also exploring entertainment zones in Union Square, Mid-Market and Thrive City at the Chase Center.