It appears The BORO is coming to downtown Greensboro on March 1.
In December, the Greensboro City Council passed a Social District Ordinance that allows people to purchase an alcoholic beverage and walk down the sidewalk with it in a specified area of downtown Greensboro.
That specified area has been named Border of Refreshments Outdoors (BORO). The ordinance passed in December was set to go into effect on March 1, but the City Council was told that the actual launch of the program could be later in the year because of the preparations that had to be made, such as signage and the design and purchase of the distinctive cups that would be used.
Downtown Greensboro Inc. (DGI) announced on Tuesday, Feb. 22 that everything was in place for the March 1 launch of the BORO.
In a press release, DGI President and CEO Zack Matheny said, “For years we’ve been hoping to have a social district in Downtown Greensboro – and we finally have one. I truly believe The BORO will increase revenue for our small business owners and create an atmosphere of community in the Center City.”
The BORO does have some strict guidelines. Alcoholic beverages may only be carried outside within the BORO from noon to 9 p.m. daily. Signage is being installed to make people aware of the BORO district and carrying drinks outside the BORO district is prohibited.
Alcoholic beverages must be purchased from a participating business in the BORO in a specific cup with BORO branding. The BORO cups can be no larger than 16 ounces.
People cannot take an alcoholic beverage from one bar or restaurant into another bar or restaurant that has an ABC license. However, the BORO cups may be carried into a business that does not have an ABC license with the permission of the owner.
Participating businesses will be clearly marked with door stickers.
Downtown has really turned into an entertainment destination over the last twenty years. Sales of alcohol has been an important part of downtown growth from the days when it was a barren street of vacant store fronts. This new BORO model has potential to increase even more interest in Downtown as a destination for young professionals looking for entertainment in a hip atmosphere.
I really hope it works out.
Already having trouble policing this area with the alcohol confined to the bars. Shootings, knifings, fights…Now, these same people can just roam the streets drink in hand…..young professionals paradise.
Yeah? Really? What is this rash of shooting and knifings that has you so afraid? One or two last year in total?
What a joke.
Sorry you’re wrong chris it’s been a lot more but the powers that be are keeping it quiet. Go on the Gso. Police blotter to get a true crime picture not to mention the “peaceful protest “a short time ago. Enjoy your time downtown maybe you’ll meet a friend.
I did visit the blotter. Looked very much like the other business districts in GSO. Funny you think powers that be keep things quite when the data is easily available.
Also if the thug theory was true (it isnt) the businesses would be declining. Not growing.
Not complicated.
We have problems with increasing alcoholism and terrible effects on health, drunk driving and now with bars opening early and drinking while strolling, we open the streets not only to drunk drivers but sidewalks to drunk walkers. Who is going to age of consent? Not enough police to even protect other problems !
The BORO, how quaint. I’m sure this makes downtown even more inviting…and safe. Good luck and be sure to look over your shoulder.
I think you mean Borrachos John.
One more reason to stay outta downtown other than getting shot by thugs at the clubs. Or in the parking lots of the courthouse or police department for that matter.
I must have missed all this crazy violence. Wife and I go downtown at least one night a week. We must be so intimidating that the ‘thugs’ stay away from us.
What a joke.
Great idea they should have a place for a flea market down there too. Let everybody make some money