Introducing the Anoka Social District

The social district pilot program runs from Wednesday, September 6 through Saturday, October 7, 2023, seven days a week between the hours of 10 a.m. and 10 p.m.  

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.  

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Join us as we celebrate the kick-off to Anoka's Social District! A ribbon cutting ceremony will be held on Wed., September 6, 2023 at 5:45 p.m. at Riverfront Memorial Park, 2201 2nd Ave.  

The program will include the following speakers and will end with a toast and cutting of the ribbon.

• Councilmember Erik Skogquist
• Senator Jim Abeler
• Representative Zack Stephenson
  
  

Following the ribbon cutting, enjoy the music of Bad Behavior who will be Rockin' on the Rum from 6-8 p.m. Food trucks will be on site. The Farmers Market on the Rum will also be open from 3-7 p.m.  in the same location.  Buy an adult beverage from any of the Social District's licensed bars and restaurants and join us in a community toast!  

No "outside" adult beverages are allowed at the event or within the Social District boundaries.  

Learn More

Learn more about the Social District and find a list of scheduled events occurring during the pilot program at Anoka Social District.