Downtown Development Authority Executive Director Anne Gentry announced the social district opened at 12 p.m on Friday. DDA and City of Alpena officials were waiting to launch the social district until recycling bins were received and signage could be posted downtown.

Gentry explained the social district is an area within downtown where people 21 years and older can purchase a drink from a participating business and then carry or consume it outdoors, on sidewalks, or in public parks.

Gentry said the social district was created by the Alpena Municipal Council and incorporates most of the DDA’s Downtown Alpena district. It is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. until midnight.

Businesses with a liquor license, who wanted to participate in the social district, had to apply for a permit with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.

News Photo by Crystal Nelson A recycling bin is pictured Friday in Culligan Plaza in Alpena. Cups from downtown Alpena’s social district can be recycled in the bins.

So far, the state has issued social district permits to HopSide Brewery, JJ’s Steak and Pizza House, Mango’s Tequila Bar, Rusty Petunias Marketplace, The Fresh Palate, and Thunder Bay Winery.

“A customer can go into one of those businesses, specify that they would like a drink to take out into the district and then leave the premises with either, you know, that glass of wine or beer or cocktail, and then either walk around downtown with it or sit in a public park such as Culligan Plaza or Avery Park, and enjoy the drink in that public space,” Gentry said.

Gentry said she believes the Black Sheep Pub and Red Brick Tap and Barrel have also applied for permits.

Drinks will be served in cups labeled with the social district’s name and the name of the restaurant serving the beverage. Gentry said drinks cannot go from one establishment to another and can’t be taken out of the designated social district boundary.

Additionally, Gentry said beverages cannot be taken into food establishments without a liquor license, and that people should check with retail business owners to learn whether drinks are welcome in their store.

News Photo by Crystal Nelson A recycling bin is pictured Friday near Mango’s Tequila Bar in Alpena. Cups from downtown Alpena’s social district can be recycled in the bins.

Social districts were established last year during the coronavirus pandemic when many businesses had to implement outdoor dining, Gentry said.

“We’re really excited that this is sticking around because it just creates one more draw for people to come downtown,” she said. “This summer, we’ve seen I think more people than ever are shopping downtown and walking around enjoying the performers. We believe that this will just be one more draw to kind of keep making our downtown a destination for people to visit and really enjoy the ambience and a beverage while doing so.”