Downtown Alpena Social District
Come stroll through our downtown with a drink in hand!
Within the district, patrons twenty-one and older will be able to purchase an alcoholic beverage from a participating restaurant or bar and carry and consume it outdoors on sidewalks and in public parks such as Culligan Plaza, Avery Park, and Bay View Park. The Social District is open seven days a week from 11 am- midnight.
You can purchase an alcoholic beverage to take into the Social District at the following establishments who have received Social District permits:
- Alpena Yacht Club- must be a member (250 Prentiss St).
- The Black Sheep Pub (113 S. Second Ave).
- The Fresh Palate (109 N. Second Ave).
- Hopside Brewery (129 W. Chisholm St).
- JJ’s Steak & Pizza House (411 N. Second Ave).
- Mango’s Tequila Bar (121 W. Chisholm St).
- Presque Isle Farm Cider (205 W. Chisholm St).
- Red Brick Tap & Barrel (109 River St).
- Rusty Petunias Marketplace (123 W. Chisholm St).
- Thunder Bay Winery (109 N. Second Ave).
To enjoy the Downtown Alpena Social District:
- Drinks must be purchased at a participating business that has a Social District Permit issued through the Liquor Control Commission.
- Drinks must be served in a designated Social District cup. When ordering an adult beverage to take into the district, please specify that you are taking your drink to enjoy in the district!
- Please help keep Downtown Alpena clean by recycling your cup in a designated bin or taking it home with you to reuse.
- All State of Michigan and City of Alpena laws apply, including those prohibiting public intoxication, impaired driving, and serving alcohol to minors.
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Do enjoy your drink:
- On sidewalks downtown - In public parks downtown, such as Culligan Plaza, the Dog Park, and Avery Park - In the licensed area of the business where you purchased it Do not take your drink: - Into an indoor or outdoor dining area of a restaurant or bar where you didn’t purchase it - Into a food business that doesn’t have a liquor license (Cabin Creek, Bob’s Bullpen, Downtown Scoops, etc.) - Outside of the designated Downtown Alpena Social District Boundary |
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FAQ's
What is a Social District?
A Social District is an area designated by a local government where customers can carry and drink an open container of alcohol purchased from a participating bar or restaurant. Common Areas are designated within the district where customers can drink their beverage, such as public parks and sidewalks. The State of Michigan enacted the law to allow Social Districts in July 2020 to support hospitality businesses, spur economic activity, and allow cities to expand outdoor dining and drinking areas.
Where can I purchase a drink?
Currently, you can purchase a drink at the following establishments who have received a Social District permit:
Where can I take my drink?
Alcohol can be taken into any public, unlicensed space within the district, such as sidewalks or public parks. Benches and tables with umbrellas that are placed throughout the district on sidewalks and in public areas such as Culligan Plaza or Avery Park are available for your use. Please note you cannot take your alcoholic beverage into another business' licensed area, either indoors or outdoors.
Can I take my drink inside businesses?
There are some rules about taking drinks into businesses:
Is the Social District open year round?
Yes! It doesn't just have to be summer to enjoy our Social District, it operates year-round. So bundle up, grab a drink, and stroll downtown!
A Social District is an area designated by a local government where customers can carry and drink an open container of alcohol purchased from a participating bar or restaurant. Common Areas are designated within the district where customers can drink their beverage, such as public parks and sidewalks. The State of Michigan enacted the law to allow Social Districts in July 2020 to support hospitality businesses, spur economic activity, and allow cities to expand outdoor dining and drinking areas.
Where can I purchase a drink?
Currently, you can purchase a drink at the following establishments who have received a Social District permit:
- Alpena Yacht Club- must be a member (250 Prentiss St).
- The Black Sheep Pub (113 S. Second Ave).
- The Fresh Palate (109 N. Second Ave).
- Hopside Brewery (129 W. Chisholm St).
- JJ’s Steak & Pizza House (411 N. Second Ave).
- Mango’s Tequila Bar (121 W. Chisholm St).
- Presque Isle Farm Cider (205 W. Chisholm St).
- Red Brick Tap & Barrel (109 River St).
- Rusty Petunias Marketplace (123 W. Chisholm St).
- Thunder Bay Winery (109 N. Second Ave).
Where can I take my drink?
Alcohol can be taken into any public, unlicensed space within the district, such as sidewalks or public parks. Benches and tables with umbrellas that are placed throughout the district on sidewalks and in public areas such as Culligan Plaza or Avery Park are available for your use. Please note you cannot take your alcoholic beverage into another business' licensed area, either indoors or outdoors.
Can I take my drink inside businesses?
There are some rules about taking drinks into businesses:
- You cannot take your beverage into another business that also has a liquor license. For example, you cannot get a glass of wine from Thunder Bay Winery and take it into the Fresh Palate, or vice versa.
- You cannot take your beverage into a food business that does not have a liquor license, such as Downtown Scoops or the Bulldog.
- Some shops downtown may allow you to take food or drink into their store, but please check with each business individually and respect their established rules.
Is the Social District open year round?
Yes! It doesn't just have to be summer to enjoy our Social District, it operates year-round. So bundle up, grab a drink, and stroll downtown!