Bridgman City Council Approves Social District

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A social district for downtown Bridgman has been approved by the city council. Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber President Arthur Havlicek tells WSJM News social districts are areas where people will be allowed to buy and walk around with alcoholic beverages. A state law allows cities to establish them to help businesses recover from pandemic restrictions. Havlicek says communities across Michigan are taking the opportunity.

“Downtowns are recognizing this and establishing social districts as a way to attract more consumers to their downtown and generally give a boost to their overall economy,” Havlicek said.

Now that the Bridgman City Council has approved a social district, the Michigan Liquor Control Commission has to sign off on it. Havlicek says businesses right in the downtown area would qualify to take part.

“It encapsulates Lake Street Eats, Lazy Ballerina Winery, Tapestry Brewing Company, and Transient Artisan Ales, and China Cafe right there in the heart of downtown Bridgman, and all of those establishments are able to participate.”

The district would cover Lake Street, between Maple Street and Mathieu Street, and the city’s municipal parking lot. Havlicek says specially marked cups will be used by participants in the social district, and those plans are being worked out now.