One year after piloting a yearlong trial of a downtown social district — a specified outdoor area where alcoholic beverages can be consumed — city council will vote on whether or not to implement the program permanently.
According to the ordinance, which follows the same rules as the pilot program, the district would be in effect from noon to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sundays.
The district encompasses the Cool Spring Downtown District, including blocks between W. Russell Street and Hay Street, but also extending around the markethouse to parts of Person Street, Old Street, Bow Street and Otis E. Jones Parkway and up to the traffic circle on the other side. It includes 26 establishments that offer alcoholic beverages.
The ordinance states that all beverages purchased in the social district must come from an establishment licensed for the sale of alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption, with containers clearly marking where the drink was bought.
At the meeting, the council will have the option to continue the social district as currently enacted on a permanent basis, rescind the ordinance enacting the social district or direct staff to some other action.
Public forum
As the first regular meeting of the month, Monday’s meeting will have a public comment period. Individuals interested in speaking during the public comments period must sign up beforehand. The public forum is limited to 30 minutes and each speaker is allocated three minutes.
Council members will meet at 433 Hay St. The meeting will be aired on Spectrum Cable Channel 7 and live-streamed at faytv.net.
Contact Evey Weisblat at eweisblat@cityviewnc.com or 216-527-3608.
