Cheers! Another West Michigan City Adopts Social District for Outdoor Drinking

While not a ton of great things can be said about the pandemic, one awesome idea that's stuck around is "social districts".

Bars and restaurants have been able to expand outside and customers can enjoy alcoholic drinks from the businesses in these "social zones".

South Haven Votes to Add Social District

In September we told you the City of South Haven was continuing to debate adopting a downtown social district. It's something that had been initially discussed in a city council meeting in January 2021.

On Monday, Dec. 5, 2022, the South Haven City Council approved the creation of a new social district in which people can buy alcohol and food from restaurants bars and walk around outside in designated areas.

According to Wood TV 8, the city council voted 4-2 to approved the plan for the South Haven Social District that is expected to open in Fall 2023.

The Social District would be open from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. between Oct. 1 and May 15.

As you might have noticed, summer - what is considered South Haven's "busy" season -  is not included in the plan.

Where is the South Haven Social District?

As of now, the South Haven Social District includes portions of Center, Eagle, Phoenix and Williams Streets.

The area includes bars and restaurants such as Black River Tavern, Maria’s, Clementine’s, New Holland Brewing Company, South Haven Brewpub, Phoenix Street Café, Kitchen 527, Taste, and South Haven Brewpub.

West Michigan Cities with Social Districts

As of October 2022, the below following cities and towns in West Michigan have registered their social zones with the state:

Kent County
• Ada Township
• Cedar Springs City
• Grand Rapids City
• Grandville City
• Lowell City
• Rockford City
• Sparta Village

Allegan County
• Allegan City
• Douglas City
• Fennville City
• Otsego City
• Saugatuck City
• Wayland City

Barry County
• Hastings City

Berrien County
• Bridgman City
• Buchanan City
• Niles City
• St. Joseph City

Calhoun County
• Battle Creek City
• Marshall City

Mason County
• Ludington City
• Scottville City

Muskegon County
• Montague City
• Muskegon City
• Whitehall City

Newaygo County
• Newaygo City

Oceana County
• Hart City

Ottawa County
• Coopersville City
• Grand Haven City
• Holland City
• Spring Lake Village
• Zeeland City

St. Joseph County
• Sturgis City
• Three Rivers City

Van Buren County
• Lawton Village