Could Charlotte finally get its 1st social district?

CHARLOTTE — A vote could come soon to approve Charlotte’s first-ever social district where people could drink in public.

City council members heard from the public Monday night on adding one in Plaza Midwood. There was much support for the endeavor.

The proposed district is along Central Avenue from Louise Avenue to Morningside Drive.

If you want to barhop while day drinking in Plaza Midwood now, you must finish your drink before you leave the bar.

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“When we are ready to go, we are having to finish our drink, chug the whole thing, and walk through the neighborhood. So it is forcing us to drink more than having this in place,” said Yazan Humaideh, owner of Sip City.

There are already more than 30 social districts in North Carolina.

“There is some precedence for this, and those social districts are doing well,” said Councilman Dante Anderson, District 1.

The social district would be 1.3 miles and run throughout all of Plaza Midwood.

Signs will be posted throughout the boundaries to tell people where and when they cannot openly drink.

All the beverages will be served in reusable stainless-steel cups.

Local business owners say it has been a long process, but all of the hard work will be worth it when the district is finally approved.

“A lot of these districts have definitely helped these business sectors and communities thrive,” said Jason Michel, a business owner.

“It is about more than beer,” said resident Bernie Petite. “It is about creating an environment where residents are supportive of businesses.”

No one spoke Monday night in opposition to the proposal.

Other areas in Charlotte that have expressed interest in creating a social district include NoDa, South End, and Ballantyne. However, those neighborhoods are not as far along in the process.

Charlotte is being more meticulous about the process than other cities. There is a 15-step process that is tailored to each neighborhood. The biggest hurdle is that half of the businesses in any given neighborhood must submit a letter showing their support for the city council to consider a social district there.

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