City council approves social district in Plaza Midwood

CHARLOTTE — Charlotte’s first social district has finally got its long-awaited stamp of approval.

Plaza Midwood was the first neighborhood to go through the 15-step process to make this happen. The Charlotte City Council voted 8-2 in favor of the district.

In an effort to promote business growth, social districts allow people to take a to-go drink from their favorite bars and restaurants.

People who live in the district can only walk around with drinks from an ABC establishment authorized to serve alcohol.

Outside beverages will not be permitted, and law enforcement will be patrolling the area.

A special metal cup will have to be used in each district.

A proposal for Plaza Midwood’s social district lays out a 60-acre area that stretches over one mile from the Salvation Army on the west side to Morningside Drive on the east side.

The Plaza Midwood Merchants Association said they hope to have this accomplished by the end of the year. However, they are holding off on ordering the metal cups until after this evening’s vote.

South End, NoDa, and Ballantyne are also pushing for social districts.

Channel 9′s Dan Matics spoke with business owners, as well as residents about the possibility of a social district in the area.

Jason Michel, the owner of Tip Top Brewing Market, is part of a group of businesses that have worked hard to make it happen.

“We have support from the council. We will see how it goes, but we feel good about it,” Michel explained.

Carsten Wyche, who lives and works in the area, said he can’t believe it has taken this long.

“They’ve been jumping through a lot of hoops to make it happen,” Wyche said.

VIDEO: Pineville to get social district while Charlotteans wait for theirs

Pineville to get social district while Charlotteans wait for theirs

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