Latest news with #socialdistrict
CBS News
5 days ago
- Business
- CBS News
New law in New Hampshire allows for public drinking within "social districts"
Cities and towns in New Hampshire will soon get to decide if they want to allow public drinking in designated "social districts" thanks to a new law. Gov. Kelly Ayotte recently signed off on the legislation. The new law takes effect on Sept. 5. "Our state is the best in the nation for economic opportunity because we respect local decision making and give businesses the freedom to grow," Ayotte said in a statement to the Union Leader. "It's common sense that we would give our cities and towns this opportunity to grow their revenue and strengthen local tourism." What is a social district? The law defines a social district as "a defined outdoor area in which a person may consume alcoholic beverages sold by a licensee." The area must be clearly marked with signs telling people where and when they can drink. People can only drink alcohol that they bought from a business or vendor inside the social district. Alcoholic beverages sold for consumption within the social district must be in non-glass cups that say "Drink Responsibly -- Be 21,' the legislation states. Social districts in New Hampshire Illinois, Michigan and Minnesota are some of the other states that allow communities to form social districts for public drinking. Cities and towns that want to create social districts have to hold a public hearing first, and then put it to a vote via ballot question. One Republican lawmaker who backed the bill calls it "true conservative reform" that can help boost downtown economies. "It puts power back in the hands of Granite Staters, supports small businesses, and safeguards public safety — all without raising taxes or imposing one-size-fits-all mandates," State Rep. Bill Boyd, of Merrimack, said in a statement.
Yahoo
12-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Petoskey City Council expands downtown social district hours
PETOSKEY — The Petoskey City Council passed a resolution during their Monday, July 7 meeting to extend the social district's hours and service area. Downtown Manager Amy Tweeten noted that new businesses have come to the city and popular events, like Movies in the Park at Dark, mean people are walking around downtown later in the evening. More: Summer concerts, movies return to Petoskey's Pennsylvania Park in July The downtown's social district allows people to open carry alcohol in designated cups — sold at approved bars and restaurants — that can be carried on the sidewalks and in alleys within the approved district boundaries. People are not legally allowed to drink on the streets or in crosswalks, but may resume alcohol consumption once on the sidewalks. Social district drinks can be purchased from Beards Brewery, City Park Grill, the Crooked Tree Arts Center (during events only), Duffy's Garage and Grill, Malted Vinyl, Palette Bistro, High Five Spirits, Tap 30, Leto's Osteria and the Perry Hotel. The social district only allows for drinks in the designated and labeled cups. People cannot freely carry a can of beer they brought themselves, for example. Previously, the drinks could be purchased from 12-9 p.m. Under the new hours, drinks can be carried in the district from 12-10 p.m. daily, allowing a little more flexibility for summer hours with later sunsets and later events. The hours will be in effect year-round. More: Perry Hotel looking to join Petoskey's social district for alcohol sales Subscribe: Get unlimited access to our local coverage The motion passed with a 3-2 vote, with council members Lindsay Walker, Derek Shiels and Joe Nachtrab voting in support, and council member Tine DeMoore and Mayor John Murphy voting against. "I'll vote for this, but I'm not real happy that we continue to push alcohol, especially at family events such as in the parks," Murphy said. "We have enough alcoholism, I think. We have bars, multiple, multiple bars people can go in and drink." — Contact reporter Karly Graham at kgraham@ Follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @KarlyGrahamJrn. This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Petoskey City Council expands downtown social district hours for alcohol purchases
