The Anoka Social District, which allows adults to walk around the area with alcoholic beverages, re-opens for the third straight year on Thursday.
"We'd like to coin the phrase sip and stroll," says Doug Borglund with the city of Anoka, who explains why this is still considered a pilot program with the state.
A "Social District" is a specific area which allows people to purchase and drink beer, wine, or a cocktail from a licensed business and walk through a defined area of the city including public spaces such as a sidewalk or street to allows for participation in a district event/activity.
Why is this still considered a pilot program though?
"It basically states in the law that from the time that we start, two years later, we have to report back to the state legislature and provide feedback to the Legislative liquor Committee," says Borglund.
Although that feedback has been positive, why haven't other cities followed suit?
"Originally the law was written in 2022 specifically for Anoka, and then last year the state legislature created an enabling law authorizing the City of Stillwater and Shakopee to create social districts," he says.
But for the time being, Anoka is one of kind in Minnesota. It began as a 30-day pilot program in 2023 and a successful five-month program in 2024.
The district will be open every day from this coming Thursday, May 1st, through October 5th from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (outdoor seating hours).
Businesses with a liquor license and a social district license can participate along with its patrons within the district's defined boundaries. You can also see a schedule of special events in Anoka here.
The following businesses have applied for and were approved for a 2025 license, to date.
10K Brewing - 2005 2nd Ave.
201 Tavern & Grill / Anoka Hardware Store - 201 Jackson St.
Ambi Wine Bar - 2015 2nd Ave.
Casa Rio Tex Mex Restaurant - 201 Jackson St.
Club 300 & Nucky’s Speakeasy - 300 E. Main St.
Ibiza West - 227 E. Main St.
MaGillycuddy's - 2016 1st Ave.
Serums Good Time Emporium - 213 Jackson St.
The Anoka Lions Club - Riverfront Memorial Park / Rockin' on the Rum Concerts