City council approves Downtown Social District
Oct. 5—LENOIR — During the Lenoir City Council meeting Tuesday, Oct. 4, a public hearing was held for the first reading of an ordinance amending chapter 13 of the Lenoir City Code to add Article V, "Downtown Social District."
North Carolina General Statute 160A-205.4 authorizes local governments to create and designate one or more "social districts" where businesses holding Alcoholic Beverage Commission (ABC) permits may sell alcoholic beverages in approved "to go" cups for consumption within the designated "social district" area.
Local business owners within downtown Lenoir have expressed interest in creating a social district within the same general footprint of the city's "open concept beer garden" festivals.
City staff will prepare a management and maintenance plan and detailed map, including providing for severability, codification, and an effective date as submitted. Staff recommends approval of the social district ordinance following the final passage, which will be read before council on Tuesday, Oct. 18.
This ordinance requires two readings because violations are class 1 misdemeanors.
The ordinance is not effective until 45 days after adoption. This gives staff time to establish the operations and maintenance plan, permit application materials, and district signage prior to implementation, as well as allows private ABC permit holders to obtain the proper containers and signage for their business operations.
The city desires to limit its "social district" to a walkable geographic area in downtown where local bars and restaurants can sell alcoholic beverages to be consumed throughout the district, subject to certain rules and limitations.
The Downtown Social District shall be in effect between the hours of 12 p.m. and 10 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, except when these times may be extended in conjunction with an approved Special Event Permit when otherwise permitted under the law.
Any business establishment located within or near the Social District that holds a valid ABC permit and desires to engage as a Social District participant must apply for and obtain a Social District permit from the Lenoir Planning and Community Development Department. The establishment shall be responsible for operating its business in accordance with all city and state ordinances, laws, rules, and regulations governing Social District activities.
City council opened the public hearing to receive comments from the community, but no one spoke. Therefore, council voted unanimously to approve the addition of a "Downtown Social District" to the city code.
