Albemarle approves social district to invigorate downtown corridor

ALBEMARLE, N.C. — The Albemarle City Council approved plans Tuesday night for a social district downtown.

The designated zone approved by the city would allow people to take alcoholic beverages from a business, and enjoy them outside. This cuts through complicated ABC permitting.

The measure still needs to be approved by the ABC Commission.

“If a social district is covering that, it takes a lot of guesswork off the plate, so it really simplifies the way that we entertain in outdoor spaces,” said Joy Almond, the city’s main street manager.

If the state commission approves the social district, it could be in place in August and would be in effect from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

(WATCH BELOW: Charlotte bar, restaurant owners push for ‘social district’ approval)