The Mason Jar Cafe in Benton Harbor is being added to the city’s social district.

The Benton Harbor City Commission voted this week, without comment, to approve a social district permit for the popular restaurant at 210 Water Street. The commission in May agreed to establish a social district in the Arts District.

Social districts are state-permitted outdoor areas where it’s legal to carry around alcoholic beverages between different businesses that sell them. The drinks must be in approved and marked containers. The Michigan Legislature approved the creation of social districts back in 2020 to help restaurants and bars affected by the pandemic and encourage people to spend more time outside.

In Berrien County, social districts have been established in Benton Harbor, Bridgman, Buchanan, Niles, St. Joseph, Stevensville, and Watervliet.

The Benton Harbor City Commission vote this week will now allow the Mason Jar to join other businesses nearby taking part in the program. The establishment had to pay a $50 fee to apply and will have to pay $50 per year to continue taking part in the social district moving forward.