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Council approves ordinance to allow downtown Social District and management plan
Summary
The City Council approved Ordinance 2026-201-8 amending public use of alcoholic beverages to establish a downtown Social District and adopted the Social District Management and Maintenance Plan; council discussed operation hours, police detail costs and a proposed Memorial Day start.
The Laconia City Council voted unanimously on April 27 to adopt Ordinance 2026-201-8, which amends Chapter 201-8 (Use of Alcoholic Beverages in Public) to permit a Social District in downtown Laconia, and to approve the City of Laconia Social District Management and Maintenance Plan.
Mayor Bordes opened a public hearing on the ordinance at 7:46 PM; no members of the public spoke. Councilors waived a full reading, conducted a second reading by title, and then voted to approve the ordinance and the management plan. Manager Beattie said the plan anticipated a start date around Memorial Day but left open whether the district would run through winter. He also noted there is a fiscal responsibility for police details if needed.
Councilor Hildreth questioned the proposed hours of operation, noting a potential inconsistency between the Social District’s 8 p.m. closure and liquor establishments that may operate until 1 a.m.; councilors said they would gather more information from local restaurants and could adjust hours if needed. Chief Canfield was noted as available to answer enforcement questions at future committee or staff briefings.
