Downtown Alpena Social District
At its May 17, 2021 Regular Meeting, Alpena City Council approved the creation of the Downtown Alpena Social District. Within the Social District, customers will be able to purchase an alcoholic beverage from a participating bar or restaurant and consume it within Common Areas within the district, such as Culligan Plaza, Avery Park, and the sidewalks throughout the downtown. We plan to have the Social District up and going by mid-June, so stay tuned for an official announcement.
All required documents have been submitted to the Michigan Liquor Control Commission to create the district. Businesses who have an eligible liquor license that are located within the DDA boundary are able to apply for a special Social District Permit that will need approval from Alpena City Council. If you are located within the district and planning on applying for a permit, please let the DDA know to add you to the agenda for City Council's June 7, 2021 meeting. You can view the application for a Social District Permit here.
All required documents have been submitted to the Michigan Liquor Control Commission to create the district. Businesses who have an eligible liquor license that are located within the DDA boundary are able to apply for a special Social District Permit that will need approval from Alpena City Council. If you are located within the district and planning on applying for a permit, please let the DDA know to add you to the agenda for City Council's June 7, 2021 meeting. You can view the application for a Social District Permit here.
General Information
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Boundaries
You can view the boundaries of the Social District at the map to the right. Cups All alcohol must be served in a container that: • Holds less than 16 oz • Cannot be made of glass • Must display the logo or trade name of the permit holder and Downtown Alpena Social District Hours of Operation Hours of operation are Monday through Sunday from 11 am- midnight. Outside of these hours, no alcoholic beverages can be sold to be consumed in the district and must be sold to be consumed in the license holder’s service areas. |
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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?
Businesses with an eligible liquor license are in the process of applying for a Social District Permit to be able to sell drinks to be consumed within the district. We will be sharing a list soon, so stay tuned!
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:
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?
Businesses with an eligible liquor license are in the process of applying for a Social District Permit to be able to sell drinks to be consumed within the district. We will be sharing a list soon, so stay tuned!
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.