Title
Resolution to Approve Renaming the Main Street Ann Arbor Social District to the Downtown Ann Arbor Social District, Expand the Commons Area, and Approve the List of Participating Establishments
Memorandum
In 2020, the Michigan Legislature amended Section 551 of Public Act 58 of 1998 (MCL 436.1551) to create the social district program. This program allows municipalities to designate a commons area where license-holding establishments may share space to serve alcoholic beverages to patrons who may move freely within that space while consuming alcoholic beverages.
At the Council meeting on August 16, 2021, City Council adopted resolution R-21-321, which created the Main Street Ann Arbor Social District. On October 4, 2021, Council adopted resolution R-21-374, which approved the original list of Main Street liquor licensees eligible to apply for a social district permit. On April 15, 2024, City Council revised and amended the list of approved participating establishments.
Pursuant to this resolution, the City seeks to rename the social district to the Downtown Ann Arbor Social District and increase the commons area to include businesses to the east of the current social district. Additional license holders in the newly renamed social district wishing to participate must seek approval from the Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC) with a resolution attached from Council that approves their individual applications.
This resolution renames the social district, enlarges the map of the commons area, and approves the list of establishments eligible to apply for a permit in the Downtown Ann Arbor Social District. It also affirms that any licensee currently permitted to serve alcohol in the Main Street Ann Arbor Social District shall be allowed to continue doing so in the Downtown Ann Arbor Social District.
Staff
Prepared by: John Reiser, Senior Assistant City Attorney
Reviewed by: Milton Dohoney Jr., City Administrator
Body
Whereas, Michigan Publi...
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