KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WOOD) — You could soon be able to buy a to-go cocktail in Kalamazoo’s social district even later during the week.
Since the summer of 2020, the city has had a social district with a Central Commons Refreshment Area. The area expands over most of the city’s nightlight and eatery locations. Under the rules, the district allows for people to buy a cocktail or beer to go while visiting downtown.
A Monday night vote by the Kalamazoo City Commission could extend the hours of the district. Currently, the hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and they run until midnight only on Fridays and Saturdays. If the commission approves the rule change, the hours will be extended to midnight seven days a week.
Several businesses told News 8 that to-go drinks were a critical cash driver during the COVID-19 pandemic. That advantage is still having an effect.
“Especially just to stir up some new revenue and to also get some new faces in the door,” said Nathan Kirtner, the sous-chef at Wine Loft.