Purpose

• Authorize the City of Edina to designate a social district where adults can consume certain purchased alcoholic beverages outside of a traditional licensed bar or restaurant setting, with the goal of supporting local activity while protecting health and safety.

What a social district license allows

• A social district license can be issued to:
  • An on-sale licensee whose premises are contiguous with the social district.
  • A municipal liquor store authorized to sell intoxicating liquor for on-site consumption.
  • A caterers permit holder for sales or service and consumption within the district.
• The license permits consumption of alcoholic beverages within the social district, but does not allow new sales or service of drinks inside the district (sales still occur at the original licensed premises).
• Beverages consumed in the district must be purchased from an on-sale licensee holding a social district license that is located in or adjacent to the district.

Designation of the social district

• The city must designate and describe the social district via ordinance before issuing the license.
• The designation must list the premises where consumption is allowed and specify the days and hours.
• A district cannot include areas owned or controlled by a person who objects to extending the district there.
• A district can include premises in another city if:
  • The districts abut, and
  • The other city approves the combined district by ordinance.

Boundaries and signage

• The social district must have clearly defined boundaries with visible signs.
• Signs must indicate the district area, the days and hours for consumption, and the following information:
  • The local law enforcement agency with jurisdiction.
  • A statement that alcoholic beverages purchased for the district must be consumed within the district (or a connected district in another city, if allowed) and disposed of before leaving the district unless reentering the licensed premises where purchased.

Management, maintenance, and public safety

• The city must establish and publish management and maintenance plans for the district, including a map or rendering of boundaries and hours on the city’s website.
• The district must be maintained in a way that protects public health and safety.

Requirements for on-sale licensees

• An on-sale licensee with a social district license may only sell or serve beverages on the licensed premises identified in its license.
• Patrons cannot enter or re-enter the licensee’s premises with a beverage not purchased from that licensee.
• Beverages consumed in the district must meet container requirements:
  • The container must identify the licensee it came from.
  • The container must display a logo or mark unique to the social district.
  • The container cannot be made of glass.
  • The container must show “Drink Responsibly Be 21” in at least 12-point font.
  • The container cannot hold more than 16 fluid ounces.

Additional district requirements

• Consumption in the social district is limited to:
  • Beverages purchased from an on-sale licensee within or contiguous to the district.
  • Beverages kept in containers meeting the district’s container rules.
  • Beverages possessed and consumed only during the days and hours set by the city.
  • Beverages disposed of before exiting the district, unless reentering the licensed premises where they were purchased.

Significant changes to current law

• Creates a new framework in Edina for designated social districts that allow on-premises beverages to be consumed outside the traditional licensed premises under strict rules.
• Expands who can participate (on-sale licensees, municipal liquor stores, caterers) and specifies where consumption can occur.
• Establishes concrete design, signage, container, and disposal rules to manage public safety and clarity for residents and visitors.
• Links district operation to city ordinances and cross-city cooperation if the district crosses into another city.

Relevant Terms - social district - on-sale licensee - consumption - intoxicating liquor - Edina - municipal liquor store - caterers permit - designation - ordinance - boundaries - hours and days - signs - disposal - Drink Responsibly Be 21 - 16 fluid ounces - no glass - contiguous / abutting - enforcement - health and safety