Arlington Heights uncorks drinks-to-go downtown social district

Arlington Heights popped the cork Thursday evening on the new Arlington Alfresco Social District, where patrons can sip on alcoholic beverages and stroll on two downtown streets that are closed to traffic.

The pilot program launched at 5 p.m. as people began to arrive to hear The Boy Band Night perform as part of the weekly Sounds of Summer concert series at Harmony Park.

Nine businesses — Beer on the Wall, Big Shot Piano Lounge, Cortland’s Garage, Hey Nonny, Mago Grill & Cantina, Metropolis Ballroom, Peggy Kinnane’s Irish Restaurant, Salsa 17 and Scratchboard Kitchen — are selling to-go drinks from 5 to 9 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays through Sept. 26.

Anyone 21 and older who shows an ID and wears a wristband can purchase one drink at a time from a participating business. Beer and cocktails are poured in 16-ounce plastic cups with a village-designed label identifying the establishment and date of sale.

Drinkers are able to imbibe anywhere within the boundaries of the existing Arlington Alfresco outdoor dining zone, which is centered at the intersection of Vail Avenue and Campbell Street and extends about a block in each direction.