Within the district, patrons twenty-one and older can purchase an alcoholic beverage from a participating restaurant/ 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:
To enjoy the Downtown Alpena Social District: 
  • Stop by one of the businesses listed above that has a Social District Permit 
  • Ask for a Social District drink (or a drink in a Social District cup) from your server or bartender 
  • Take your drink into a public park, sidewalk, or outside that business to enjoy!
  • Feel free to walk around the district with your drink OR enjoy a drink as you walk to your next stop
  • Recycle your cup in a designated bin OR take your cup home to reuse 
  • Do not overindulge in the Social District and do not become a nuisance to others

If you have any questions about the Social District or where you can or cannot take your drink, please just ask your server or bartender and they will give you the scoop!
​Do enjoy your drink: 
  • On sidewalks downtown
  • In public parks: Culligan Plaza, the Dog Park, Bay View Park, South Riverfront Park, and Avery Park
  • Along the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Trail 
  • 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

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:
  • 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 Mango's, 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!

I have a business within the DDA district. Can I get a Social District permit?
Businesses that have a liquor license can apply for a Social District permit through the Michigan Liquor Control Commission. You can view the Social District Permit Application Form here.  Please alert the DDA that you are applying for a permit so we can include your business in our marketing AND once you get your permit, we will purchase your first 250 cups or stickers. 

Eligible liquor licenses include:
  • A retailer that holds a license, other than a special license, to sell alcoholic liquor for consumption on the licensed premises. (This includes the following license types: Class C, Tavern, A-Hotel, B-Hotel, Club, G-1, G-2, Brewpub.)
  • A manufacturer with an on-premises tasting room permit issued under section 536.
  • A manufacturer that holds an off-premises tasting room license issued under section 536.
  • A manufacturer that holds a joint off-premises tasting room license issued under section 536.

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