City leaders approve 'social district' to allow drinks to go, open containers in some parts of downtown Raleigh

The Raleigh City Council voted unanimously to approve the measure, which is set to take effect on Aug. 15.

The social district will encompass Fayetteville Street from the State Capitol to the Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts and includes Red Hat Amphitheater. City Market is part of the proposed district whereas Moore Square and Nash Square are not.

On Tuesday, Raleigh leaders voted to expand the social district to include bars and restaurants in the Warehouse District. It extends from Dawson Street to Union Station.

People will be allowed to stroll the streets with special plastic cups sold by restaurants and bars licensed by the North Carolina Alcoholic Beverage Control System from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days per week. The cups are required to be no more than 16 ounces. Also, to-go drinks cannot be served in a glass container.

Businesses can opt in or out of allowing customers to bring in drinks from restaurants and bars.

The city plans to clearly mark the borders of the proposed district with signs, so people know where you can and can't grab a to-go drink and walk around downtown.

The Vault General Manager Daniel McKinney said shops along Fayetteville Street in downtown Raleigh rely on foot traffic to lure in new customers.

"We are kind of a secret, cool sportswear shop, but it would be nice if there was a bit more visibility," McKinney said.

McKinney thinks Raleigh's new social district will help The Vault.

"Once people discover us, they are like 'This place is amazing,'" McKinney said. "It's not all about sales, sales, sales for us.

"We are trying to create an experience for our guests."

In March, the city of Greensboro launched its own social district, allowing to-go drinks until 9 p.m.

Greensboro Police Department spokesperson Josie Cambareri said the city uses a specialized downtown squad with cars, bikes and a golf cart.

"We have not had many concerns due to the district," Cambareri wrote in an email to WRAL News.