What is a Social District?
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.
How was Anoka allowed a Social District?
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.
Anoka worked closely with State Representative Zack Stephenson who assisted with changing state law exclusively for Anoka.
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.
What does this mean for bars and restaurants in Anoka?
- Businesses with a liquor license and a social district license can participate along with its patrons within the district's defined boundaries.
- Businesses participating in the social district can allow its customers to buy and take their alcoholic beverage and consume it in the defined Common Areas such as on the sidewalk, Riverfront Memorial Park, in the street (when blocked off for special events), or as part of a special event within the social district boundaries.
- Licensed businesses will serve alcoholic beverages in a special social district plastic recyclable cup. The social district logo is included on the cups. Businesses will mark each cup with their permit number for ID. In 2024, cups will be identified with the business logo.
Pilot Program
Wednesday, Sept. 6 - Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023
Hours: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. (same hours at outdoor patios)
Sunday - Sunday/7 days a week
Licensed Businesses
The following businesses have chosen to participate in and are licensed to sell adult beverages during the social district pilot program. Customers (21 and older) may purchase alcoholic beverages from any of the following and then sip and stroll within the district. Drinks cannot, however, be brought into one business from another business.
2023 Schedule of Events
Wednesday, September 6, 2023 (Kick-off Event)
Rockin' on the Rum Concert - Bad Behavior
Riverfront Memorial Park - 2201 2nd Ave | 6-8 p.m.
Food trucks on site and Anoka Lions will be selling adult beverages
Sunday, September 10, 2023
Music in the Park - Thomas and James
Riverfront Memorial Park - 2201 2nd Ave | 3- 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, September 13, 2023
Rockin' on the Rum Concert - Southern Express Band
Riverfront Memorial Park - 2201 2nd Ave | 6-8 p.m.
Food trucks on site and Anoka Lions will be selling adult beverages
Sunday, September 17, 2023
Music in the Park - CODA
Riverfront Memorial Park - 2201 2nd Ave | 2-3:30 p.m.
Wednesday, September 20, 2023
Rockin' on the Rum Concert - Best of 7
Riverfront Memorial Park - 2201 2nd Ave | 5-7 p.m.
Food trucks on site and Anoka Lions will be selling adult beverages
Sunday, September 24, 2023
Music in the Park - The Percolators
Riverfront Memorial Park - 2201 2nd Ave | 3-4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, September 27, 2023
Rockin' on the Rum Concert - Salsa del Soul
Riverfront Memorial Park - 2201 2nd Ave | 5-6:30 p.m.
Food trucks on site and Anoka Lions will be selling adult beverages
Sunday, October 1, 2023
Anoka Halloween Great Pumpkin Expo
Anoka City Hall River Plaza - 2015 First Ave | 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Giant pumpkin weigh off, scarecrow contest, adult pumpkin carving, vendors, etc.
Wednesday, October 4, 2023
Movie in the Park - Top Gun Maverick
Riverfront Memorial Park - 2201 2nd Ave | 7 p.m.
Saturday, October 7, 2023 (final day of social district)
Anoka City Hall River Plaza - 2015 First Ave | 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
