With rain hitting the region Friday, the new Royal Oak social district’s opening day was a damp beginning, but bar and restaurant owners have sunny hopes the district will draw patrons and help business.
“I think the social district will not only attract customers familiar with downtown Royal Oak, but will also draw a new group of customers to our downtown,” said Rich Lockwood, owner of the Motor City Gas whiskey distillery on Fourth Street.
More than 40 downtowns statewide have social districts where patrons can get alcoholic drinks in official to-go cups and stroll throughout the district.
Carrie O’Neill of the Rock on Third pub picked up 1,000 of the to-go cups from the city on Thursday.
“I think social districts will be a positive for all the cities that have them,” said O’Neill, president of the Royal Oak Restaurant Association. “It’s a great opportunity for someone to get a drink while they wait for a table at a restaurant or people watch outside and see some of the other businesses we have.”
Sixteen downtown businesses have been approved by the city to serve to-go drinks. The bars and restaurants then have to get final approval from the Michigan Liquor Control Commission.
Four of the 16 downtown Royal Oak venues have gotten the final OK from the LCC and are ready to serve drinks for outdoor consumption — Motor City Gas whiskey distillery, Rock on Third, Gusoline Alley, and Oak City Grille.
The other 12 venues will take part as their LCC approvals are granted, city officials said.
A state law was passed last year allowing social districts as a way for restaurants, bars and entertainment venues to survive during the COVID-19 pandemic.
While Oakland County has a COVID-19 vaccination rate nearing 70 percent and all businesses are open at capacity, not everyone is ready to be in close contact with strangers.
“We still see regular customers that are not yet comfortable with crowded indoor settings,” Lockwood said. “The (outdoor) social district enables local businesses to reconnect with those folks in a safe and convenient way.”
Royal Oak’s social district is open year round from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.
“A big focus for us right now is the future of downtown Royal Oak, which includes ways that we can effectively support local business and increase the economic growth of our vibrant downtown,” said Tim Thwing, director of community development for the city, in a statement. “The Royal Oak Social District is another way that patrons can experience and support many of their favorite establishments” downtown.
Businesses participating in the district serve outdoor drinks in special plastic cups that are for one-time use only. A 16-ounce white cup is used for beer and a 10-ounce cup will be used for wine or liquor beverages.
Patrons aren’t allowed to take the cups into other establishments, parking lots or structures, or beyond the boundaries of the district.
Royal Oak’s Downtown Development Authority is supporting the social district operations. When city commissioners approved creating a social district in April the DDA expected to spend about $200,000 funding it during the first year.
The money is used for signage, maintenance and special events.
“I think it will really be neat with events in the future where people are able to walk around,” said O’Neill.
However, businesses taking part in the social district won’t be allowed to serve drinks during licensed special events, such as Arts, Beats & Eats, that are permitted to sell alcohol.
Royal Oak’s social district is located between Lincoln Avenue and 11 Mile Road, from South Lafayette Avenue to Knowles Street. The area bounded by Pingree Boulevard, North Main Street and E 11 Mile Road are also included.
“Unlike other cities I’ve seen, Royal Oak has included their entire downtown area as part of their social district,” Lockwood said. “I think it not only creates a new experience for patrons, but also allows all businesses downtown to benefit from the increased foot traffic.”
More information about the social district is online at romi.gov/1569/Social-District
