New social district in Gastonia allows drinking between bars

GASTONIA, N.C. — A new social district is opening in Gastonia next week, meaning you’ll soon be able to enjoy a stroll along the street with a drink in hand.

The city announced on Friday that the social district will open along Main Avenue from CaroMont Health Park to Broad Street. It’s opening on April 28.

City officials say the purpose for the district is to “increase downtown walkability and exposure to downtown businesses.” The social district was approved by city council back in September.

Inside the district boundaries, people will be able to buy alcoholic drinks and carry them around using a designated cup with a specific logo for the social district.

According to the city, the social district will be open from 11 a.m. to midnight Mondays through Saturdays, and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sundays.

Businesses have to apply and go through a training hosted by the Gastonia Police Department to take part in the social district.

Several other areas around Charlotte already have social districts, including Albemarle and Statesville. Plaza Midwood and part of South End in Charlotte have applied to become social districts.

(WATCH: Neighborhood in Lower South End applies to become social district)

Neighborhood in Lower South End applies to become social district

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