Durham business owners excited as social district debuts to plenty of fanfare

Durham's social district includes 67 participating businesses selling drinks and another 32 businesses that don't sell alcohol but are allowing drinks inside.

There are currently 18 social districts throughout the state. Several North Carolina municipalities have adopted social districts within the last year.

Participating businesses will allow customers to take alcohol to go in clear plastic cups, with the Bullpen logo, and a date and time the drink was served.

Rashanda Mason is the owner of The Slush.

She tells me her customers have been waiting a long time for a social district.

Mason believes this makes Durham competitive with bigger cities.

"We have a lot of implants from a lot of different places and they're kind of used to being able to have a little bit freer range to kind of like enjoy the nightlife."

The Zen Succulent doesn't sell alcohol, but they are participating in the social district. They're one of over 30 businesses without ABC licenses that are choosing to allow drinks inside.

Senior Lead Shopkeep Damien McIntyre says its a way to connect with other businesses downtown.

"There's a bar next door," McIntyre said. "There's a lot of local places here that sell alcoholic drinks, so we figured we could get those customers in here, and it'd be good for both businesses."

Owner of the Glass Jug, Chris Creech, says the social district is in effect just in time for a busy weekend in the Bull City.

"We've got the downtown Christmas tree lighting coming up this Saturday," Creech said. "You know, get a drink while you walk through downtown on your way there or after the parade later this month."

Creech believes it will encourage people to check out new places.

"I think it's it's a long time coming," Creech said.