By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — The city of Rockford and the River District Association launched a new program that allows you to sip an alcoholic drink and stroll between downtown businesses.
The new Entertainment District, which was approved by City Council on Sept. 18, establishes rules for you to take your drink to-go when purchased in a designated cup from one of 14 bars and restaurants. The pilot year for the Entertainment District goes into effect at 4 p.m. tonight.
“I have seen programs like this firsthand in other communities, and I’m excited for it to launch here in Rockford,” Mayor Tom McNamara said Friday in a news release. “Downtown is filled with many incredible businesses and business owners, and this program gives our residents and our visitors just one more reason to visit the area and enjoy all it has to offer.”
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Residents ages 21 and older can purchase and carry beer, wine or cocktails in specially branded cups only at designated bars and restaurants. You can then carry those cups outdoors and into participating retail businesses (all listed below) with blue signage.
“Partnering alongside a multitude of businesses, the city continues to work hard on the core of our community. While every downtown is unique, we know that the heart of the city is its downtown. By adding an Entertainment District, we will build on making our downtown a destination to live, work and play,” Alderman Chad Tuneberg,who represents the 3rd Ward in downtown, said in a statement. “As we roll out this program, we will continue to monitor its effectiveness and impact and make any necessary adjustments.”
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The ordinance allows you to bring a drink from one bar to another. However, after concerns were raised from participating bar owners, the decision was made to restrict that option in the pilot program. So right now you can bring a drink from a bar or restaurant to a retail business but not another bar.
The River District worked with the city to create the new district as a means to boost economic activity in downtown by providing an additional amenity for socializing and shopping. It’s modeled after similar programs in other states, but it is one of the first in the state of Illinois.
“The River District Association works to create an environment in downtown Rockford where businesses thrive and people want to be. Looking at the success of these districts in cities across the country, it seemed like a no-brainer to make it happen in downtown Rockford,” said John Groh, president of the River District Association board.
Groh is also the head of the Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau.
“I have to say, working with Mayor McNamara and his team on this new idea was a great experience – they saw the vision and were open to our feedback as the ordinance and program guidelines were developed,” Groh said in his statement. “We also appreciate the City Council’s approval of this new program; their willingness to try new ideas demonstrates the type of forward-thinking leadership that will help the community grow.”
Fast facts | Entertainment District
Hours: 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Friday; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
*Alcohol will stop being served in designated cups by 10:30 p.m.
To-go cups sold at these locations:
- Abreo, 515 E. State St.
- Ambiance Cuisine Cocktails & Catering, 307 S. Main St.
- District Bar & Grill, 205 W. State St.
- Embassy Suites Rockford Riverfront – The Top Rooftop Bar & Lounge and Tower Restaurant, 416 S. Main St.
- J.R. Kortman Center for Design, 107 N. Main St.
- LimaMar Restaurant & Cocktail Bar, 221 E. State St.
- Magpie, 126 N. Madison St.
- Mo’s Coffee & Cafe, 303 Mulberry St.
- Octane, 124 N. Main St., Rockford
- Prairie Street Brewing Co., 200 Prairie St.
- Social Charcuterie Bar & Restaurant, 509 E. State St.
- Taco Libre, 501 E. State St., Rockford
- Wood & Brick Tavern, 315 S. Main St.
Beverages welcome at:
- Elora Home Interiors, 214 E. State St.
- Lucette Holistic Salon and Boutique, 508 E. State St.
- Maze Books, 406 E. State St.
- Rockford Art Deli, 402 E. State St.
- Salvaged by Sonya, 510 E. State St.
- S’mores Collectibles and Vintage, 328 E. State St.
- TNT Funnel Cakes, 201 W. State St.
- Veterans Memorial Hall, 211 N. Main St.
- SRM Prints, 330 E. State St.
Understanding signage:
- Green: Designates bars and restaurants that sell drinks in approved carry-out cups.
- Blue: Designates businesses that welcome patrons to carry an approved drink into their establishment.
- Red: Designates a business that does not want patrons carrying in open containers with alcohol.
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas