In October 2022, the City of Morenci, in collaboration with the Downtown Development Authority (DDA), passed a resolution to establish a Social District. The aim was to create additional opportunities for local businesses, enhance the availability of events and activities for adults in the downtown area, and attract individuals from the community and surrounding areas to the downtown district. The Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC) approved the Social District application in early 2023. Flats Pub and the Morenci Eagles received their MLCC certification in May 2023.
Over the past year, the Social District has operated on an event-based model, requiring businesses to obtain City Council approval to activate the district. While this model worked well for large, pre-planned events, it proved impractical for informal, impromptu, and smaller outdoor gatherings. Recognizing the need for greater flexibility, both Flats Pub and the Morenci Eagles expressed interest in having the Social District operate daily with extended hours. This change would allow them to better accommodate smaller events and make participation in the Social District economically viable. The costs associated with increased licensing fees, special Social District cups, and maintaining an ongoing certificate of liability insurance had previously outweighed the benefits.
After discussions in May and June, the Downtown Development Authority reviewed the Management and Maintenance Plan and supported the proposal to open the Social District from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week, aligning with the business hours of the licensees. Additionally, the boundaries of the Commons Area were expanded eastward to include the sidewalk on the west side of North Street. The Morenci City Council approved these updates at their July meeting.
As outlined in the updated Social District Management and Maintenance Plan, the district will be clearly marked with signage. Signs and graphics identifying the boundaries and hours of operation will be posted at the participating businesses’ premises. The expansion of the Morenci Social District will provide the opportunity for the Morenci Eagles and Flats Pub to extend outdoors within a controlled and regulated environment. For events requiring a street closure, City Council approval will still be necessary.