A month after Santa Monica unveiled plans to enhance the Third Street Promenade through outdoor drinking, Culver City has decided to implement something similar.
In April, Culver City’s council members unanimously passed an ordinance establishing a Downtown Entertainment Zone, where patrons can buy and enjoy alcohol outdoors from various participating establishments.
However, visitors will not be allowed to bring their own alcohol into the zone; they can only consume drinks provided by licensed vendors during authorized events.
Culver City’s initiative, introduced in October 2025, differs significantly from Santa Monica’s. While Santa Monica permits outdoor drinking from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekends, Culver City will only allow such activities during specific events.
Notably, the Downtown Culver City Entertainment Zone will be open for events like the annual Car Show, Holiday Tree Lighting, Independence Celebration, Summer Concert Series, Third Wednesday festivities, and Culver City Pride & Rally.
A preliminary management plan describes the zone as a means to bolster local businesses, enhance visitor experiences, and promote overall economic growth, complementing existing city events.
This entertainment area is specifically designed to encourage visitors to linger, engage, and discover downtown during authorized events. The goal is to make the city more walkable and to boost foot traffic and sales for participating bars and restaurants, which could benefit nearby retail and hospitality sectors.
The designated zone covers Culver Boulevard between Madison Avenue and Venice Boulevard, as well as Washington Boulevard stretching from Hughes Avenue to Culver Boulevard, and includes certain side streets like Main Street, Cardiff Avenue, and Watseka Avenue.
All businesses wanting to serve alcohol within the zone must obtain a pre-verified liquor license before the ordinance can be formally adopted by the City Council.
