Item 39 - Ordinance Amending Article VI, Section 2-743 of the Santa Ana Municipal Code

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Ordinance Amending Article VI, Section 2-743 of the Santa Ana Municipal Code August 20, 2024 Page 2 The proposed amendment to the SAMC would allow for the sale and consumption of "alcoholic beverages" as defined by the California Businesses & Professions (CB&P) Code Section 23004 (Exhibit 2) with the expressed written consent of the City Manager or designee for events deemed an "adult event" if the predominate age of the audience can reasonably be expected to exceed 21 years. This would include beer, wine, and distilled spirits. Analysis Concert venues, temporary outdoor activities, and special events throughout Santa Ana already allow for the diversity in the sale of alcohol with conformance to the SAMC and Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) state law and established parameters. This amendment would allow the City to mirror these venues and position the Stadium competitively to attract revenue generating events, creating a safe and appealing economic development opportunity. By expanding alcohol sales at "adult events," the stadium can boost revenue through increased concession sales and provide a more enjoyable experience for attendees. This amendment can also support local businesses by driving more traffic to nearby establishments before and after events. The Police Department has reviewed this request and has identified no additional areas of concern. The application and review process will ensure that any operational standards for expanding the sale of alcohol adhere to Type 21 Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) requirements, which permit the sale of beer, wine, and distilled spirits, as well as comply with the City's municipal code for special events. This will involve a review by the Santa Ana Police Department of applications for the sale and service of alcoholic beverages to mitigate any potential negative impacts. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the CEQA Guidelines, the project is categorically exempt from further review per Section 15301 (Class 1 — Existing Facilities). The Class 1 exemption applies to the operation, repair, maintenance, permitting, leasing, licensing, or minor alteration of existing public or private structures, facilities, mechanical equipment, or topographical features, involving negligible or no expansion of existing or former use. The requested ordinance amendment would allow for wine and distilled spirits, in addition to the existing permissible sale of beer, to be sold at the existing stadium facilities, and no physical construction is required nor necessary to accommodate the proposed SAMC text changes. Upon adoption of the ordinance's first reading, a Notice of Exemption will be filed for the project. FISCAL IMPACT There is no fiscal impact associated with this action.