More community spaces in Sacramento soon will be hosting live entertainment for people to enjoy.
The Sacramento City Council on Tuesday voted to create a less expensive, faster entertainment permit process for restaurants, coffee shops, and other small businesses that want to host live music, comedy, or other shows.
The concept was promoted by Mayor Darrell Steinberg in his 2023 State of the City address series and is supported by groups such as the Downtown Sacramento Partnership and the Midtown Association. It also responds to the recommendations of two studies of the music scene recently commissioned by the city.
After receiving unanimous Council direction, staff said they would come back with an ordinance for approval in six to eight weeks.
Making it easier for small businesses to host entertainment will “unlock the potential of art, music and creativity,” Steinberg said. “That’s the way the Austins and the Nashvilles have done it. It’s not just about big facilities. It’s about creating a cool, hip vibe because there’s music at 10 spots around the city.”
The limited entertainment permit will cost less and require fewer inspections and less processing time than the full entertainment permit required today. The entertainment will have to be a secondary use for the business.
Tina Lee-Vogt, the City’s Nighttime Economy Measure, said of the current process: “A pizza parlor in Natomas that wants to occasionally have live music must comply with the same requirements as a large nightclub downtown.”
She said creating more opportunities for businesses to host live performances would help them by giving customers reasons to stay longer, and also would provide more sources of income for artists.