The Keene City Council conducted a statutorily required public hearing on Oct. 16 to inform voters about a Nov. 4 ballot question that would authorize the creation of social districts in the city. The question reads, in substance, “Shall we allow the operation of social districts within the city of Keene?” — and a majority “yes” vote would authorize social districts subject to a subsequent city ordinance.

City Attorney (unnamed at the hearing) and Councilor Michael J. Remy, who requested the item be placed on the ballot, said the hearing was informational under the new state statute (House Bill 467 / RSA 178:35). Remy said he put the question on the ballot to give voters the chance to weigh in and stressed that a voter-approved authorization would not immediately legalize social districts; the council would later have to pass an ordinance to set boundaries, hours, licensing opt-ins and other operational rules.

Council debate and public testimony focused on potential impacts and unanswered logistics. Councilor Mitchell H. Greenwald said he strongly opposed the idea and urged voters to reject it: “I think this is the worst idea that I have heard in my 30 plus years on city council,” Greenwald said, citing concerns about alcohol exposure to students and the absence of statewide regulatory detail. Councilor Philip M. Jones and Councilor Robert C. Williams voiced concerns about family-friendly events and late-night impacts; Councilor Edward J. Haas urged residents to vote and participate in the municipal election.

Councilor Remy outlined several statutory and practical restrictions that would apply if social districts were authorized and later regulated in ordinance form. He said the law does not allow BYOB, requires that containers identify the licensee and the district logo, bars glass containers and limits container size (Remy referenced the statutory requirements while speaking). Remy also noted licensees in district areas would have to opt in; participation would not be mandatory for businesses located in a district.

Public commenters echoed councilors’ concerns. Robin Cost, president of Downtown Keene, opposed social districts and urged councilors to develop ordinance language before asking the public to vote: “I’m concerned about the students… I want you to consider the families who live in the area, who walk, who shop, who walk their dogs, who dine at the restaurants,” Cost said. Bar owner Gary Masten warned of liability and enforcement issues tied to last-serve rules and said the city’s public-works and police resources might be strained by additional cleanup and enforcement responsibilities. Resident Warren Steinberg asked whether the council would prepare ordinances even if voters rejected the measure; City Attorney replied no — a “no” vote would mean the council would not have legal authority to implement social districts until a future change or ballot.

The council and staff said they will post explanatory materials for voters on the city website and provide guidance at polling places to explain what a “yes” and a “no” vote mean on this and the Keno question. No ordinance or regulation will take effect unless voters authorize social districts in the Nov. 4 vote and the council subsequently adopts implementing rules.