The City of Morenci Downtown Development Authority (DDA) initiated a conversation about establishing a social district late last summer. In a social district, individuals are allowed to consume alcoholic beverages outdoors when purchased from participating businesses within a designated and marked area. The DDA's goal with the social district is to create additional opportunities for businesses to thrive, enhance the availability of events and activities for adults in the downtown area, and attract individuals from the community and surrounding areas.
The process of creating and maintaining a social district involves several checkpoints with the State of Michigan. Currently, 104 communities in 43 counties have successfully established social districts. In October 2022, the City Council approved the proposed map and maintenance plan from the DDA, and the City of Morenci was notified of state approval earlier this year. Flats Pub and Morenci Eagles applied to the State of Michigan to be included in the Morenci Social District and received their certification in late May.
While some cities allow their social districts to be open every day or during specific hours, Morenci's social district operates on an event-based model. This means that businesses must obtain approval from the City Council to open the social district for special events.
The Morenci Social District is divided into a north zone and a south zone. The north zone encompasses the parking lot behind Flats Pub and extends south to the middle of Main Street. The south zone includes the municipal parking lot behind Morenci Eagles and extends north to the middle of Main Street. Zones can be opened separately or together for events where a street closure is permitted. Either business could request opening only the area behind their establishment instead of opening the entire zone.
Each participating business provides plastic cups with its logo and the social district logo to ensure the origin of each drink is regulated. Patrons are required to finish their beverages before entering another establishment. Signage will clearly mark the boundaries and guidelines for the social district. Again, City Council must approve every request to open the social district. For more information, visit the DDA Morenci Social District page.
