Local reaction to social district pilot program in Wilmington

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Residents react after the Wilmington City Council approved a first reading for a potential pilot program for a social district in the city.

The social district would cover a 10-block area in the Brooklyn Arts District, mostly on North Fourth Street.

If the pilot program goes into effect, people could take alcoholic beverages from one establishment to another on 3 Saturdays in February, between noon and 5 in the evening.

As long as you have a plastic cup with the appropriate labeling on it, you can walk around the designated area with a drink in your hands.

Alex Percy lives near the area and said this pilot program might encourage him to visit the arts district more.

“More things were happening over here, then I would come definitely over here,” Percy said. “So this is something that I would probably, most likely, take advantage of, you know, have a drink, stroll around the area and see what’s here.”

Wilmington City Council approved a change to the ordinance allowing the district, but because the vote wasn’t unanimous, they’ll have to vote again on January 21st before it becomes final.