More North Carolina Cities Are Considering ‘Social Districts’ For Public Drinking
Last September, Governor Roy Cooper signed House Bill 890, which allows North Carolina cities and counties to create their own “social districts.” That’s the polite term for places where you’re allowed to drink alcohol while you’re walking down the street.
According to WCNC-TV, Kannapolis is the first city in the state to take advantage of the new law. Patrons of select downtown establishments will be allowed to consume alcoholic beverage on sidewalks and public places in the area known as the West Avenue District. More cities are working on similar plans.
Effective March 1st, restaurant and bar customers in Greensboro will be able to enjoy their adult beverages on certain downtown streets between noon and 9:00 PM. Triangle Business Journal reports that Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill are also looking into establishing public drinking zones. Those cities are still in the process of gathering residents’ input on the matter. I’m guessing the kids at NC State, Duke, and UNC won’t need too much convincing.
According to Axios Charlotte, there’s talk of doing this in Charlotte, too. Quite frankly, I’m surprised we’re so late to the party. I mean, have you been to Panthers game? I imagine it won’t be too long before we see a “social district” or two pop up in Uptown, South End, NoDa, or Plaza Midwood.
