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Social districts could be sticking around after the pandemic

Social districts came to Michigan in the midst of the pandemic. They’re outdoor areas set up near restaurants where customers can have drinks and mingle. Now, the COVID creation is here to stay.

 

Officials with the Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association say there are currently 51 social districts in the state, and almost all of them say they’ll continue through the summer months, even after indoor dining resumes.

Charlevoix is an example of a city that’s still trying to get a social district. Chamber president Sarah Hagen said it would benefit the area now and after COVID.

 

“You know we didn’t start it last year, we kind of wanted to see what the year was gonna bring, and I think now we know that people did like those options being added, and they wanna see Charlevoix be able to kind of utilize more of those services of being able to have your take out food and take out your beverage too and go sit in the park and enjoy the water and the outdoors,” Hagen said.

 

John McNamara is with the Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association. He said social districts became popular with consumers throughout the pandemic.

 

"Obviously we're not out of the woods yet. I firmly believe we are on the way there, but I think people like them," McNamara said. "And I think people like them one, just because it's something a little bit different. It's slightly more social than being at your table, your restaurant. But it's also just so people can be outside longer, which I think everyone wants to do in summertime in Michigan."

 

McNamara said that another popular COVID-19 accommodation, outdoor igloos, are too costly for businesses to continue using, and probably won’t be a permanent addition to local restaurants.