Palo Alto Weighs Open Drinking on Ramona Street
Council members recommended three pilot events allowing open alcohol containers on a closed portion of the downtown street.
Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Cocktails
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Palo Alto council members recommended allowing open alcohol containers on the closed portion of Ramona Street for three pilot events ending no later than 9 p.m. The city plans an entertainment zone that would let businesses obtain an event permit for outdoor drinking, with full council approval still required.
Why it matters
The proposal would bring more activity to the middle of the street for Palo Alto residents and downtown businesses. Some downtown owners have expressed hesitancy, and the city is pointing to its existing California Avenue drinking allowance and state Senate Bill 969 as a model.
The city reported business owners saw no change or a sales increase of less than 5% from the California Avenue drinking allowance. Beverages would have to be sold in clear, non-glass, non-metal cups, and drinkers would wear a wristband.
The players
Keith Reckdahl
Palo Alto councilman who co-recommended the open-container pilot events and met with downtown business owners.
George Lu
Palo Alto councilman who co-recommended allowing open alcohol containers for three pilot events.
Alex Andrade
Palo Alto economic development manager who met with Ramona Street business owners about the entertainment zone.
The details
Councilmen George Lu and Keith Reckdahl recommended allowing open alcohol containers for three pilot events. Councilman Keith Reckdahl and Economic Development Manager Alex Andrade met with Cardinal Hotel, Forest Spa Boutique, De Novo Fine Contemporary Jewelry and Mansoor Fine Jewelers owners on Oct. 28 to discuss concerns.
Timeline
Oct. 28, 2026: Reckdahl and Andrade met with Ramona Street business owners.
Nov. 4, 2026: The Economic Development Committee discussed the entertainment zone.
Thursdays: The city already allows public drinking during California Avenue live music events.
Roadmap
The proposal builds on Senate Bill 969, the state law that took effect last year and gave cities flexibility over outdoor drinking. It extends the city's existing California Avenue arrangement, where public drinking is already allowed during Thursday live music events.
If the plan is approved, residents attending downtown events would need to use clear, non-glass cups and wear a wristband to drink outdoors. Pilot events would end no later than 9 p.m., so plan evening outings accordingly.
The takeaway
Residents interested in downtown nightlife should watch for the full council vote on the Ramona Street entertainment zone, since it would set the rules for any future outdoor drinking events.
What happens next
The full Palo Alto council must still approve the entertainment zone before Ramona Street businesses can obtain outdoor drinking permits.
Further reading
Explore more cocktail coverage to see how outdoor drinking rules shape local bar and event culture.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Palo Alto Daily Post.
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