Negaunee Social District Public Input Session

social district cup

The Negaunee DDA is seeking input from businesses and the public at a special meeting being held on May 16th, at 5:30 PM, at the Negaunee Ice Arena. This input session is being called as part of the City of Negaunee’s Public Participation Policy requirement.

The purpose of the meeting will be to obtain public comments on the possible formation of a Social District in Downtown Negaunee.

Recently, the State of Michigan enacted a new law intended to spur economic activity and provide flexibility for hospitality businesses by enabling the on-site sale and off-site consumption of alcoholic beverages in designated “Social District” areas.

House Bill 5781 was signed into law in 2020, (MCL 436.1551) creating the “Social District Permit,” which allows local governments to designate a Social District within their jurisdictions. Eligible Licenses who wish to participate are granted a Social District Permit by the Michigan Liquor Control Commission may sell alcoholic beverages on their licensed premises to customers who may then consume the alcoholic liquor within the Commons Area of the Social District.

“Commons area” means an area (one or more) within a social district that is clearly designated and clearly marked by the municipality and that is shared by and contiguous to the premises of at least two qualified licensees. A commons area would not include the licensed premises of any qualified licensee. Practically speaking, the qualified licensee would sell the alcoholic beverage to the consumer who could then walk to and consume the beverage in the commons area, only. The consumer is not allowed to take the beverage out of the commons area.

Negaunee’s DDA is proposing the possible establishment of a Social District to support local restaurants, microbreweries, bars, and similar food service businesses; sustain and grow economic development; and to supplement outdoor social distancing space when pandemics may occur.

Those interested in learning more about Negaunee’s proposed Social District and its Commons Areas Management and Maintenance Plan can VIEW HERE AT THIS LINK. 

Questions concerning this release may be directed to the attention of the City Manager, Nate Heffron at (906) 475-7700 ext. 11