Q and A with City Clerk Jason Bell
By Barb Pert Templeton
When Marine City officials decided to establish a Social District in the city last year and encouraged local businesses to join things were pretty slow at the start.
A social district basically allows people to purchase and consume alcohol from participating bars and restaurants and then move around within the area designated for the district.
Just a couple of businesses initially showed interest in the district in Marine City.
Blue Water Healthy Living caught up with Marine City Clerk Jason Bell, who recently gave a presentation on the issue at a city commission meeting, to ask some additional questions about the plan.
Blue Water Healthy Living: Is there already a social district up and running in the city or are the bugs still being worked out for it?
Marine City Clerk Jason Bell: Yes, the Social District has been up and running since last year. Some bugs are still being worked out, but there has been more interest in the last five months from establishments. I think this move will solidify the Social District as a whole.
BWHL: If there has been a social district in play in the city since last Sept. what was the response to it – from both participating establishments and people utilizing it?
A more detailed and easier to read map is being proposed for the Social District in Marine City.
Bell: It was a slow start from participating establishments as we only had two from the initial opening until about June 2024. Water Street Winery has had success with it since they started. I believe it was utilized a lot during some summer activities including Maritime Days. We now have four of the nine eligible establishments participating with hopefully more coming on soon.
BWHL: Does the Social District basically mean they can walk around that area of the city (on the map provided) and enjoy an alcoholic beverage or?
Bell: Yes, they can consume alcoholic beverages from participating establishments only, in the common areas indicated on the map. Beverages cannot be consumed in the street, but they can be on the sidewalks.
BWHL: Do participating establishments have to register with the city to join? Is there a fee? How many does Marine City have currently?
Bell: Establishments have to complete an operating agreement with the city once their permit is approved by the Liquor Control Commission (LLC). There is no fee and there are currently four establishments participating.
BWHL: What are the criteria for businesses’ wanting to take part in the social district?
Bell: They have to be licensed with the LCC and they have to be located within the Social District to be eligible for a Social District permit.
BWHL: Is a new orange logo being proposed for the social district?
Bell: Yes, it’s different than the ones the establishments are using which tend to be white.
BWHL: Also, is there a new map being proposed too?
Bell: Yes, but it does not change the Social District or commons areas, just cleans it up and makes it more presentable and less confusing.
