Redding’s Downtown Entertainment Zone with its relaxed alcohol laws launches Friday. The City Council voted in August to approve the zone. A state law enacted this year lets cities stimulate local economies by creating zones that allow those 21 and older to carry open containers of alcoholic drinks purchased from participating businesses. The drinks will be allowed from 10AM to 10PM and need to be served in standardized plastic cups with the entertainment zone logo. Drinkers also need to get a wristband from the servers. Drinks cannot be carried from one business into another business, or outside the zone. Boundaries are Eureka Way to Lincoln Street and Oregon Street to the alley between Pine and East Streets. Friday nights launch of the new law coincides with First Friday activities, Thursday’s official opening of the Public Market, Friday nights tree lighting ceremony and Saturday night’s Lighted Christmas Parade.
-Steve Gibson