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Laconia committee corrects social district start date, discusses cup rules and police coverage funding
Summary
City Manager Kirk Beattie told the Public Safety Subcommittee May 5 that the Social District plan’s start date was corrected to Memorial Day weekend; the city ordered 2,000 cup stickers for a little over $100. The committee discussed police coverage estimated at $500 per day but left funding unresolved.
City Manager Kirk Beattie told the Laconia Public Safety Subcommittee on May 5 that the City of Laconia Social District Management and Maintenance Plan had been updated to begin on Memorial Day weekend and that the city had ordered 2,000 stickers for social-district cups for a little over $100. The committee discussed signage, cup rules and police coverage but did not take a formal vote on the plan.
The plan matters to downtown businesses and patrons because it would allow customers to carry designated alcoholic beverages within the social-district boundaries. Manager Beattie said he will work with Public Works on signage and will send the district map to the liquor commission for review; he also told business owners the city will distribute pamphlets to participating establishments.
Committee members and staff addressed several operational details. Lt. Chris Noyes pointed out that the draft language does not specify single-use containers and recommended specifying cup material; Councilor Conant noted patrons may want to keep empty cups as souvenirs. Manager Beattie said the plan language will specify that “the cups cannot leave the district and must be disposed of.”
Business owners raised practical questions. Dan Mclaughlin of Vintage Vinyl asked whether patrons could bring social-district beverages into his store, since he does not sell alcohol; Beattie said he would consult the liquor commission and report back to business owners. Karen Bassett of Wayfarer Coffee said she was concerned staff might be asked to identify whether a cup contained alcohol; Beattie said the social-district cups will be distinct and have specific wording.
The committee discussed policing for the district’s launch. Beattie said the consensus among members was to have police present to monitor the area for the first 30 days. He gave an estimate of about $500 per day for that coverage but said he and Chief Canfield have not yet determined where the funding will come from and will work together to identify a funding source.
The subcommittee also heard requests to revisit the district map to include Rotary Park and a suggestion from a business owner about offering incentives for returning cups. Ruben Bassett urged a reactive approach—address problems if and when they occur—while Councilor Conant urged getting the implementation right from the outset.
Earlier in the meeting the subcommittee approved the April 7, 2026 meeting minutes on a roll-call vote, 3-0. The committee adjourned at 5:34 p.m. Next steps recorded in the meeting: Manager Beattie will send the map to the liquor commission, work with Public Works on signage, consult with Police Chief Canfield on funding for initial coverage, and distribute pamphlets to participating businesses.
