Greenville social districts begin

GREENVILLE, N.C. (WITN) - The City of Greenville’s two social districts began operations this evening.

The city says both of its social districts, the Uptown Social District and the Dickinson Avenue Social District, will operate Thursday through Saturday from 5-10 p.m.

Social districts allow people to drink beer, wine, or cocktails as they walk through a defined area of Greenville.

In August, the Greenville City Council unanimously approved the creation of the two social districts.

One Uptown resident who lives nearby the social districts doesn’t expect much to change.

“It might make people get a little too rowdy, but that’s always the case anyways... shouldn’t make things too much worse,” ECU grad student Mackenzie Hoey said.

One concern Greenville City Spokesperson Brock Letchworth has heard from residents and businesses alike is how to keep those who are drinking inside of the drawn borders.

He says Greenville police will have patrols out and it will be a trial and error process.

“Other than that, I would like everyone to know that this is new and we’re going to be reporting back to the city council about how it’s going and we’re going to need all types of feedback along the way,” Letchworth said.

Sup Dogs Owner Bret Oliverio said he hopes the hours extend.

“Right now it starts at 5 p.m. I’m hoping that we dial that back over time so some retail can get involved, so the businesses that close before 5 are going to sit this one out,” Oliverio said. “If this goes well, I hope we can include everyone.”

As of right now, there isn’t a fine-line consequence for walking out of the districts with a drink in your hand.

People who want to give feedback on the Greenville social districts can do so here.

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