Title
Resolution to Extend the Days of the Main Street Area Ann Arbor Social District
Memorandum
In 2020, the state legislature amended section 551 of 1998 Public Act 58 to create the Social District program. This program allows municipalities to designate a common area where license holding establishments may share space to serve alcoholic beverages to patrons, and the patrons may move freely within that space while consuming alcoholic beverages.
Last year the Main Street Area Association brought a request forward to create a social district in the Main Street area of downtown. It is important to note that the social district program is separate from the downtown street closures. While some of the proposed times overlap, the social district program would continue to exist only on city sidewalks during times and dates when the street closures are not in effect.
Staff recommended and Council approved the creation of the social district through resolution R-21-321, and it has been in effect since last fall. Citing the success of the program, the Main Street Association has requested that the social district days be extended to all days of the week. After staff review of the proposal, including discussion with the police department, the fire department, and public works it is staff's recommendation that the social district may be extended with the addition of resources to compensate for additional impacts on solid waste services that could occur. Public Works is developing a proposal to address this issue and will have additional services in place prior to the start date of the social's district extended days.
Staff
Prepared by: John Fournier, Assistant City Administrator
Reviewed by: John Reiser, Senior Assistant City Attorney
Approved by: John Fournier, Assistant City Administrator
Body
Whereas, Michigan Public Act 124 of 2020 (the Act) was signed into law on July 1, 2020 allowing municipalities to designate Social Districts, wherein license holding e...
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