Durham to debate adding a social district spanning downtown - Axios RaleighLog InLog InAxios Raleigh is an Axios company.

Durham' s own social district in the works

Data: Downtown Durham Inc; Map: Erin Davis/Axios VisualsDurham could follow Raleigh into the social district game. Driving the news: Downtown Durham Inc., the nonprofit that manages the downtown Durham business district, told Axios that it is proposing a downtown social district to the city council.Raleigh's begins on Aug. 15. Unlike Raleigh, Durham's proposal — unless it is altered — would cover the entirety of the downtown Durham district, at least how it is defined by the boundaries of Downtown Durham Inc.'s . In a survey, Downtown Durham Inc. found that 80% of downtown businesses thought the social district was a good idea. In the same survey, though, many expressed concerns about the social district causing rampant drinking and nuisance behavior. Yes, but: The proposal is still in its early stages and the boundaries could change, Gina Rozier, a spokesperson for DDI, told Axios in an email. Context: Social districts allow people to take alcoholic drinks on the go in certain parts of cities, meaning one could leave a bar and walk to a nearby shop while still drinking. Many cities are hoping they will lead to increased foot traffic and sales in their downtown cores. Last year, the state to give cities leeway to create social districts. What's next: Durham Council Member Leonardo Williams said the proposal could be debated during the . "It's coming, but we are scrutinizing this thing hard so we can ensure that the rollout is proper," Williams told Axios. Get more local stories in your inbox with .Subscribe Support local journalism by becoming a member.

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