Jackson Becomes Next Downtown To Propose “Social Districts”
"Social Districts" are quickly becoming one of the more fun things to come out of this pandemic as Michigan downtowns try to get back to normal.
Over the course of the past year or so, we've seen plenty of our favorite restaurants and bars get creative when it comes to keeping people safe, capacity limits, outdoor dining and more.
In Jackson, the downtown really is growing and so much contributes to a genuinely great night life scene. That's why these "social districts" would be absolutely perfect for the area and that's exactly what officials are trying to make happen.
So What's A "Social District"?
For those who may be unfamiliar, a "social district" as MLive reports, is a "local government-designated area where outdoor drinking is permitted."
According to MLive these came to fruition when the Michigan Legislature decided to pass a law that made it easier for restaurants bars to flourish using outdoor spaces while still encouraging social distancing during the pandemic.
Basically, it means you can legally drink outside in public aside from a set restaurant or bar's patio area.
Where Jackson's Would Be
Where Jackson's Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is proposing to establish the "social district", according to MLive, would be an area between Louis Glick Highway, Washington Avenue, Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and Blackstone Street (CLICK HERE FOR MAP).
MLive also reports Jackson's DDA made this decision to include common areas between streets downtown that would include about 15 bars and restaurants.
How It Will All Work
Of course, there is definitely a lot that goes into making this run smoothly as people roaming the streets with booze can get out of hand very quickly.
DDA Director Cory Mays told MLive, once the council approves the borders of the district and the common areas, restaurants then will go through the permit application process and if approved they will get their social district permits through Michigan's Liquor Control Commission.
MLive says the proposal includes that the DDA will provide the fencing, it is up to the restaurants to furnish their areas of the district and police will be set to patrol the area.
All in all, Mays hopes to get this done by summer and I agree! Going for a night on the town in the summertime in Jackson really is different from anywhere else and Mays told MLive there are plenty of fun events lined up too!