Auburn now has a designated Entertainment Zone in Old Town and Downtown that lets you purchase a drink from approved local restaurants and bars to enjoy outdoors and while shopping your favorite local Auburn businesses. Think of it as a way to brighten up weekends, support our amazing local businesses, and bring a little extra vibrancy to the places we all already love.
Below is everything you need to know—whether you’re here to unwind with friends or you’re a business owner looking to participate.
The program is designed to support a lively, walkable, community-friendly environment where residents and visitors can enjoy local food, drinks, events, and shopping all in one place. The Entertainment Zone strengthens our downtown districts while prioritizing safety and responsible alcohol service.
Under this new allowance, restaurants and bars are allowed to offer to-go alcoholic beverages within the Entertainment Zone. When you order, the business will check your ID and give you a City-approved wristband or stamp showing you’re 21+ and pour your favorite beverage into a City-approved 12 oz. cup. Then you’re all set to wander the zone and take in everything Auburn has to offer. Just be sure to keep an eye on the boundaries as you explore!
Sip, stroll, and enjoy the scene! Your drink is welcome to come along for the adventure—just make sure it doesn’t try to explore beyond the zone. Look for the posted signs to help you (and your beverage) stay in bounds.
All to-go drinks come in City-approved cups. While you can have fun, there are limits on the size and composition of to-go alcohol with maximum pour sizes as follows:
To keep things fun and safe:
The goal is to create a clean, energetic, community-friendly space—your help makes that possible.
If you’re a restaurant or bar owner in Old Town or Downtown Auburn, you may be eligible to join the Entertainment Zone program. Participation is voluntary, but there are a few steps required before you can offer to-go alcoholic beverages.
Before serving any beverages for off-premises consumption, the business must register with ABC and receive approval. This step is mandatory and not automatic.
You’ll need:
Once approved, you’ll be required to:
Employees who handle to-go alcohol service must understand:
Participating businesses must help keep the zone clean by removing cups, litter, and beverage containers from their immediate area—either at close or earlier if needed.
The City Manager or Chief of Police may modify or suspend participation for any business that violates ABC rules, City requirements, or creates a public safety concern. Businesses may appeal under City procedures.
