Asheboro to allow limited public alcohol use in designated area

"The Social District is a defined area of downtown where alcoholic beverages purchased from participating businesses may be consumed in outdoor public spaces during the specified times," reads information provided by the city. 

The Social District is largely bordered by W Salisbury Street, to the North; W Academy Street, to the South; Fayetteville Street, to the East; and S Church Street to the West. 

There are a number of rules regulating public consumption of, what the city defines as "adult" or alcoholic beverages. Adult beverages must be purchased inside the Social District from participating establishments. Participating establishments provide the designated containers, which indicate when a drink is purchased.

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Designated containers do not exceed 16 ounces. 

"Businesses participating in the Social District are displaying the Zoo City Social District logo at the businesses entrance," reads information from the city. "Beverage cups must be discarded into trash cans located throughout the Zoo City Social District." 

Currently, only a handful of businesses are participating. These include: 

• The Bun Hut
• Cantina Taco Loco
• Carolina Tap House
• Four Saints Brewing Company
• The Flying Pig Food and Spirits
• Leo’s Whiskey Bar
• Lumina Wine & Beer

Participating establishments have signs at the entrance showing they are taking part. Patrons must look for the signs and must take care not to take beverages into businesses that are not participating. 

"If people are going to do it responsibly ... I think it's more of a plus for the economy of Downtown Asheboro, for the businesses," said The Bun Hut owner Ray Mackey. "It's an experiment and it depends on how the people react to it." 

Thursday, May 19, marks the first day the change goes into effect.

This article originally appeared on The Courier-Tribune: Asheboro to allow limited public alcohol use in designated area