What's Happening in Plymouth, NH…

A recent bill signed by Governor Kelly Ayotte will go into effect next Friday, September 5, giving those of legal drinking age the right to imbibe in public within specific areas known as “social districts.”

Each municipality will be able, if they so choose, to designate social districts where public drinking will be allowed. The drinks will have to be purchased within the social district and patrons cannot take them out of the district.

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Plymouth, like many New Hampshire communities, will be able to use this law to help revitalize specific business areas within their borders. The matter was brought up at the Plymouth Planning Board recently, with the city’s zoning board members outlining Social Districts and their pros and cons. One concern was whether the presence of Plymouth College would complicate the implementation of a district and diminish its value. John Christ expressed the opinion that a social district might be helpful in regulating public intoxication, which would still be illegal.

The establishment of a social district is not mandatory, and each individual municipality can weigh the pros and con for itself. In towns, an appearance on an annual town meeting warrant will be required. Cities, however, will decide the matter at the ballot box.

Each municipality sets its own hours of operation and must exhibit clear signage showing the district’s boundaries. A limit of 16 ounces per beverage is required.