Council approves trial earlier weekend hours for social district

The Grosse Pointe Park City Council on July 13 approved amended hours for the city’s social district, voting to open the district at 10 a.m. on weekends for a six‑month trial while leaving weekday start times at noon.

The change, adopted after a motion by Council member McMillan and a second, was pitched by city staff as a way to better align social‑district hours with the farmer’s market and nearby businesses. City Manager Seizem said the district — created in 2020 as a COVID‑era economic support for local businesses — allows patrons to carry plastic‑cup drinks within designated areas but forbids entering other businesses while carrying those drinks.

Supporters said the earlier weekend start would help merchants and patrons who visit the farmers market in the morning. McMillan argued that a 10 a.m. opening on Saturday would let shoppers stop for a drink after the market, improving foot traffic for downtown businesses.

Opponents urged caution on enforcement and public‑safety impacts. Several council members asked staff to consult with public safety and confirm that participating businesses follow the required cup‑and‑label rules; city staff said they have sent reminders to vendors. The council also discussed signaling the change to residents and tracking compliance, including nonperformance penalties for liquor‑license violations tied to the social district rules.

The motion that passed sets weekend opening hours at 10 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays for a six‑month trial; council asked staff to review results and report back so the body can revisit start times if unintended consequences arise.