A famous California beach city has unanimously passed an open container alcohol ordinance, allowing alcoholic beverages to be consumed on public streets. Is this a reasonable move or recipe for disaster?

Santa Monica Approves Open-Container Ordinance For 3rd Street Promenade

In a move aimed at revitalizing its downtown core, the Santa Monica City Council has approved a new open-container ordinance that will allow public consumption of alcohol along a popular pedestrian area. The decision, made on May 14, 2025, designates a portion of the 3rd Street Promenade as an “Outdoor Entertainment Zone” where adults 21 and older may drink alcohol purchased from participating local businesses.

The permitted area will span three blocks, between Wilshire Boulevard and Broadway, and require the use of approved non-glass, non-metal to-go cups. Businesses will be responsible for checking IDs and issuing city-provided wristbands to identify patrons who are legally allowed to carry drinks outside.

The program will launch with a soft rollout, initially limited to Fridays through Sundays from 6:00 pm. to 2:00 am. If successful, it may expand to daily hours running from 8:00 am to 2:00 am. The goal, according to city leaders, is to create a more vibrant atmosphere and support economic activity in a retail corridor that has struggled in recent years. ice Mayor Caroline Torosis said:

“We want to bring fun and joy and vibrancy back to the Promenade.”

However, not all community members are on board. John Alle, co-founder of the Santa Monica Coalition, expressed concern that the area already suffers from security issues and property damage and lacks sufficient enforcement resources. The ordinance includes a six-month review period to evaluate its effectiveness and address any unintended consequences.

Why This Might Be A Very Foolish Idea

I find this story interesting because open alcohol is such a non-issue in much of Europe. I remember how you culd drink vritually anywhere (even with glass bottles) when I lived in Frankfurt and how most people did so quite responsibly. And yet here I need only think back to New Orleans to surmise that it probably will not work here…

While the intention behind the ordinance, economic revitalization, is understandable, the decision to allow open alcohol consumption in public spaces raises several red flags from my perspective:

• Public Safety Risks: Open consumption can lead to increased incidents of public intoxication, disorderly conduct, and petty crime. These issues could worsen without a clear enforcement strategy.
• Enforcement Challenges: Expecting businesses to act as ID checkers and wristband enforcers adds operational strain and leaves plenty of room for error or abuse. City resources will be stretched to ensure compliance, especially late at night.
• Resident Disruption: Extending alcohol consumption until 2:00 am on weekends and possibly every day invites late-night noise, loitering, and potentially unpleasant encounters for local residents and families and foreign
• Economic Uncertainty: There’s no guarantee this will significantly boost business. It may simply reallocate existing foot traffic or attract crowds who are more interested in drinking than shopping or dining.

With Santa Monica preparing to host guests attending international competitions in the coming years, including during the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics, the city must tread carefully. Turning a once-premier retail and dining destination into a semi-permanent outdoor bar might undermine its long-term image more than it helps short-term revenue…the goal is to welcome tourists, not turn them away.

CONCLUSION

Revitalizing the 3rd Street Promenade is a worthy goal, but pairing it with alcohol-fueled programming may prove more disruptive than beneficial. Speaking as a traveler and Angeleno who loves Santa Monica, I just don’t see this ending well.