A proposed bill would allow open containers in downtown areas, Wilmington businesses support the move A bill is introduced to create social districts in downtowns By Michael Praats | May 10, 2021 at 1:55 PM EDT - Updated May 10 at 8:27 PM WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - Taking a drink outside of a bar or restaurantâs property in North Carolina â for the most part â is not allowed; however, a new bill that is making its way through the state House of Representatives right now could change that. House Bill 781 is actually titled Bring Business Back to Downtown â and thatâs what business owners and downtown advocates say it would do.