LEBANON — New Hampshire towns and cities will soon have the option to allow public drinking in special areas.

Gov. Kelly Ayotte recently signed House Bill 467 into law, which allows people age 21 and over to take alcoholic drinks to-go within limited zones referred to as “social districts.” Along with other restrictions, drinks must be purchased from licensed bars and restaurants within a given district.

“I think it’s super exciting,” Jennifer Galvin, general manager at downtown Lebanon’s Salt hill Pub, said in an interview Monday. “It’s got a lot of potential to generate business.”

Under the law, which goes into effect on Sept. 5, cities can put it up for vote during any municipal election and towns can include the proposal on their annual town meeting warrants.

It can also be petitioned onto the ballot by 5% of registered voters. The question then requires a majority vote to come into effect for the town or city.

After getting voters’ approval, individual communities would determine a district’s boundaries and hours of operation.

Enfield Town Manager Edward Morris appreciated that the law leaves it up to municipalities to make the final decision.

“It should be great for some cities and towns, and others would decide if it’s right for their town,” Morris said. “We only have one restaurant and one brewery, so I don’t know that it would be very important for the town.”

The law aims to increase tax revenue and overall business through more vibrant commercial districts, in which people can flow freely across bars, restaurants and shops on a given night.

Hanover could benefit from these social districts, said Hanover Selectman Jarett Berke, owner of downtown Lou’s Restaurant and Bakery, which doesn’t serve alcohol and closes in late afternoon.

“One of the challenges that we have (in Hanover) is public space,” Berke said, scone in hand.

Berke’s first impression of the law is that it could enable such spaces, allowing people to shop locally and get together as a community, utilizing the areas that Hanover has to offer.

“My initial thought, not knowing anything about this bill, is that it’s probably a good thing because it would allow for (…) more regular events that we can have in the town,” Berke said at his restaurant.

He said there’s an “appetite” for this kind of social space in Hanover, but that the town’s restrictions and Dartmouth’s insulated social scene have prevented any from taking shape.

“I think most people would prefer that there’s a more vibrant, robust atmosphere here at night, but between regulatory reasons and then some of the culture at Dartmouth, that’s just how it’s worked out,” Berke said.

Hanover Town Manager Robert Houseman said that any comment would be “premature” at this time, as town officials have yet to discuss it.

Lebanon’s city manager and mayor did not respond in time for the deadline.

Jennifer Galvin, Salt hill’s general manager, expressed uncertainty about who would be enforcing the law’s regulations.

“I am a little concerned about how (people in the designated areas) would be monitored,” Galvin said.

She was unsure whether it would be up to police or businesses to — for example — maintain the area’s limits and make sure people don’t bring their own alcohol.

Lebanon Police Chief Phil Roberts couldn’t be reached for comment before the paper’s afternoon deadline on Tuesday.

In on-the-street interviews, Lebanon residents expressed a mix of emotions about the possibility of public drinking in certain parts of the city.

“I don’t feel it’s good for the community,” said Ken Weeks.

Weeks, 59, doubted that it would increase the city’s revenue, but expected it could lead to more underage drinking. “It’s unsafe with as many children and families that converse in these areas,” Weeks said.

Jim Stinson, 65, saw an upside to creating so-called social districts. “Beats a $50 fine for (having) an open container,” he said.

And others were indifferent about the new option. “I don’t think it would change much,” Sarah Vashel said at Salt Hill’s outdoor dining patio on Monday afternoon. “I don’t think people would even realize it.”

The law comes with a handful of restrictions.

Drinks cannot be over 16 ounces and must have a logo or mark on the container that is unique to the particular social district.

Drinks cannot be taken outside of the designated area, which must be clearly defined by signs. Drinks purchased outside of the boundaries cannot be consumed within the social district.

Lukas Dunford can be reached at ldunford@vnews.com or 603-727-3208.