A bill that would allow customers to consume booze freely within certain areas is progressing in the N.C. General Assembly, and Wilmington is already researching other cities’ alcohol ordinances. (Port City Daily photo/Alexandria Sands)
WILMINGTON –– The City of Wilmington is considering loosening outdoor drinking restrictions, as a proposed law that would allow customers to carry alcoholic beverages freely within certain areas progresses through the N.C. General Assembly.
House Bill 781 –– also known as the “Bring Business Back to Downtown” bill –– would give cities discretion to define “social districts” where patrons could openly carry and consume booze purchased from ABC permit holders. The legislation passed the House May 6 with just seven “nay” votes from Republican representatives and has now advanced to the Senate floor.