Beginning Thursday, people can take their preferred adult beverage to go from bars and restaurants in downtown Durham. The city is calling the new district "The Bullpen."

Durham's new social district is the latest, and one of the largest, to pass in North Carolina since the state legislature decided to allow cities and towns to create the districts where public drinking is allowed.

People can't just crack open a beer on the street though. The beer, wine or cocktails have to be from a participating restaurant in the downtown district, and they must be in a specially labeled cup.

People cannot bring in their own alcohol and they can't buy a drink from one bar and bring it into another.

The North Carolina General Assembly passed the law over the summer that allows cities to set social district. Durham's is the largest so far, encompassing much of downtown.

People can now walk from Motorco through downtown to the Durham Bulls Athletic Park with a beer.

The social district is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

More than 65 bars and restaurants signed up to be part of the social district. Businesses can also opt out of the program.