Would you support allowing drinking alcohol in public in your town?

Cities such as New Orleans and Memphis have long tried to boost tourism and the entertainment economy by allowing legal outdoor drinking. More recently, the town of Canton, Ohio set aside 42 blocks of its downtown as an “outdoor refreshment area”, allowing people to carry and consume alcoholic beverages in the streets.

Supporters argue that the move will attract younger residents and visitors, and could make such communities a draw for art or music festivals and other economic boosters. Many restaurant and bar owners also favor the move as a way of increasing revenue.

New Hampshire state law does not address drinking alcoholic beverages in public, but most towns in the state have passed bylaws restricting the outdoor consumption of alcohol to fenced-off areas of licensed restaurants or bars.

Opponents raise concerns about increased crime and litter, or worry that increased intoxication could lead to injuries or other threats to public safety. Area residents may also oppose the move, fearing it will lead to public disturbances later into the night.

UPDATE: Read our Citizen Voices℠ report and find out where New Hampshire stands on this issue.