LACONIA — It will be up to voters to decide if they want social districts in the city, which in turn would allow the city council to approve certain outdoor areas for drinking alcoholic beverages.

The city council voted on Sept. 22 to include a question on the Nov. 4 ballot. City Manager Kirk Beattie made clear this is not about where or how they would be set up, but if voter-approved, councilors and department heads will work with the New Hampshire Liquor Commission on logistics.

“We also want our fire and police departments to weigh in on locations, and the methods as to which they can operate,” Beattie said in an interview on Wednesday.

This is possible through House Bill 467, which came into effect on Sept. 5, and defines social districts and enables municipalities to create them. A

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