So much for just being the "Halloween Capitol". Minnesota's first social district opens Wednesday night in Anoka. The area allows anybody 21 and older to buy and consume adult beverages on city sidewalks and along the riverfront. The kickoff event will be held at 5:45 p.m. at Riverfront Memorial Park.
Following the ribbon cutting, they'll have live music from Bad Behavior plus food trucks will be on site. The Farmers Market on the Rum will also be open from 3:00-7:00 p.m. in the same location.
You are allowed to buy an adult beverage from any of the Social District's licensed bars and restaurants.
State Senator Jim Abeler (R- Anoka) will be on hand for the event Wednesday and he joined Vineeta Sawkar on the WCCO Morning News to talk about how it works.
"The bar owners buy these cups, and then you use that at the bar you're at, if you go outside and walk around," says Abeler. "Then you get a new cup when you go to the next bar. You can't go into a bar with your drink. That's a state law. But you can go shop at the antique store if you want, mill around, meet some old friends."
A "Social District" is defined as 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.
During the 2022 Minnesota Legislative Session as part of the Omnibus Liquor Bill that was signed into law, a special provision was included only for the City of Anoka, enabling the City to establish a "Social District". This law is exclusive to the City of Anoka, in the State of Minnesota.
The social district is on a month trial run and that ends October 7. Anoka is hosting a pilot program and will report back to the State on its findings to set an example for Anoka and other cities to implement a social district in the future.
