This Twin Cities suburb is expanding its own spin on Bourbon Street

Break out the plastic cups: Anoka's boozy outdoor social district is back.

Why it matters: The expanded pilot program returns for a second year on Wednesday and is the first state-sanctioned effort to bring Bourbon Street's sip-and-stroll vibe to Minnesota.

What's new: Residents and visitors to the north metro suburb will be able to drink alcoholic beverages outdoors in a designated section of the city's downtown and riverfront park district for five months this year, instead of the one allowed in 2023.

• City officials also expanded the boundaries of the district and scheduled concerts, food trucks, and other outdoor events .

What they're saying: Boosters say the concept is attracting more patrons for the city's businesses.

• "I think it's just going to be one big summer party, but in a very mature adult way, where we can all grab drinks from our favorite spots and hang out together," Ambi Wine Bar & Desserts co-owner Jess Pratt said.

How it works: Alcoholic beverages purchased at 10 participating restaurants and bars can be brought outside and enjoyed anywhere within the designated area , which includes part of Main Street and Riverfront Memorial Park.

The catch: No BYOB allowed. All alcoholic drinks must be served and consumed via plastic cups featuring the pilot's logo.

• You also can't bring drinks from one participating restaurant or bar into another, though you can bring them into some stores.

What to expect: Pratt said her bar saw a small bump in activity during last fall's month-long trial run.

• She hopes that extending the initiative for the entire summer — and adding more public events, seating, and participating restaurants — will draw even bigger crowds.

If you go: The rules allow wandering, cup in hand, from 10am to 10pm daily through Oct. 6.

• Participating businesses should have stickers on their windows.
• In addition to the city-backed events, Pratt said Ambi Wine Bar and other restaurants plan to offer live music on their patios this year.

What we're watching: Anoka, which needed the Legislature's sign-off to launch the trial, will report back to the state next year on how it went.

• Lawmakers could then consider whether to allow other cities to try it out.