Raleigh Council Softening Stance on Drinking Ban

RALEIGH — Recent controversies surrounding alleged overcrowding, lack of pedestrian access, and excessive “vibrancy” along Fayetteville Street came before the council’s June 1 meeting, when members proposed banning sidewalk patio dining permits to establishments that make less than 30 percent of their sales from food. The change would threaten the ability of some downtown pubs to stay in business.