Deb Malewski
Contributing Writer

(Deb Malewski/FAN – Natalie [left] and Shawn Norton, owners of Darb’s Patio and Eaton Rapids Craft Company are the designated Social District establishments for to-go drinks in the city.)

What can be done to bring more “feet to the street” in Eaton Rapids? That is one of the challenges facing the Eaton Rapids Downtown Development Authority (DDA) as it works to revitalize the city’s business district and encourage more people to spend time downtown.

One new initiative is the creation of a Social District, which officially opened Sept. 23.

Jacob Forquer, Eaton Rapids Community and Economic Development Director, announced the opening, which was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Under Michigan law, a Social District is an area designated by a local government where patrons may purchase alcoholic beverages from participating, licensed establishments and consume them in designated outdoor public areas.

The program is intended to support local businesses while providing a controlled setting for outdoor consumption. Charlotte also has a social district that has been established for almost two years.

Currently, two establishments are participating in the Eaton Rapids Social District: Eaton Rapids Craft Company, at 204 North Main Street, and Darb’s Patio, at 148 South Main Street.

Both businesses were required to apply to participate, agree to the program’s rules, and obtain the necessary supplies, including specially marked cups.

There are a few things consumers need to know before taking their beverages for a stroll.

Social District beverages must be served in the designated cups. Patrons cannot bring alcohol from home, refill their cups from outside sources, or carry beverages from one bar to another.

Drinks cannot be taken into nonparticipating businesses unless those establishments display a sign permitting it.

Most importantly, patrons must remain within the designated Social District boundaries, which are marked by signs.

Both Mill Pointe Park and G.A.R. Island Park are included within the approved boundaries.

The district’s designated hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. However, beverages may only be purchased during the participating establishments’ regular business hours.

“The social district offers something new and different for our city,” Mayor Pam Colestock said. “While it might not appeal to everyone, that is perfectly fine. For those who do choose to participate, however, it provides an opportunity to enjoy an alcoholic beverage while walking through the downtown area during the Wednesday Cruise-In and other city events.”

One question surrounding Social Districts is whether allowing alcohol in public spaces creates additional public-safety concerns.

Forquer said the DDA was diligent and careful in determining whether the plan would be a good fit for the community.

Members visited and spoke with representatives of other Michigan communities that have established Social Districts, including Marshall and Mason, and received positive feedback and encouragement to proceed.

“We want Eaton Rapids to remain wholesome and family-friendly, of course,” Forquer said. “The primary goal is to get more feet on the street…This development can help our businesses increase their revenue, and consequently the need to hire more employees.”

Some residents have expressed concern that allowing alcoholic beverages in public areas could lead to more visible drinking or public intoxication downtown.

The Social District, however, does not suspend existing laws concerning public intoxication, disorderly conduct, or underage drinking.

Alcohol must be purchased from a participating, licensed establishment, served in an approved Social District cup, and consumed within the designated Commons Area during established hours.

In addition to the Social District, the DDA plas to add more benches and trash cans downtown this fall.