What is a Social District?

Social Districts are defined areas in which a person may consume alcoholic beverages sold by an establishment permitted by North Carolina’s Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission. As part of ‘Bring Business Back to Downtown,’ “Social Districts” were added with the intent to increase foot traffic for businesses that have struggled since the beginning of the COVID pandemic.

This bill empowers municipalities to allow people to buy and consume alcoholic beverages within a defined area.

How does the Social District work in downtown Albemarle?

The Downtown Albemarle Social District allows alcoholic beverages to be consumed within district boundaries daily from 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. Boundaries for the Social District are clearly marked with sidewalk signage at the entrance and exit areas of the District.

No alcoholic beverages are to be taken inside non-participating businesses within the parameters of the district.

Visitors to the district are not allowed to bring and consume their own alcoholic beverages (BYOB).

All alcoholic beverages must be purchased from establishments located within or contiguous to the district (in specially labeled cups) and must be consumed within the District.

Upon leaving an establishment where an alcoholic beverage is purchased, the beverage must be consumed or discarded before entering a different business that serves alcohol.

All alcohol in open containers must be disposed of before exiting the District or entering a vehicle. 

How is the Social District enforced in downtown Albemarle?

ABC permitted establishments are required to ensure they meet all legal requirements for carding and limiting consumption of alcoholic beverages. The City of Albemarle will also follow all guidelines in accordance with NC General Statute 18B-904.1 and the NC ABC Commission. Albemarle Police Department would enforce the restrictions of the Downtown Albemarle Social District.

How do downtown businesses operate in a Social District?

Businesses can choose to be included in the District, or can opt out if they desire. Signage will be displayed in businesses participating in the District to inform visitors that they are allowed to bring alcoholic beverages inside.

ABC permitted businesses:

Businesses serving alcoholic beverages to be taken outside of their establishment into the Social District must meet the following requirements:

• Beverage container – must display the Albemarle Downtown Social District logo, as well as the business/establishment from which the alcoholic beverage was purchased.
• Beverage container is not made of glass.
• Beverage container displays “Drink Responsibly-Be 21” in font no smaller than 12-point.
• Container cannot hold more than 16 ounces.

Businesses that do not serve alcohol and wish to be included in the Social District may permit people to enter their establishment with an alcoholic beverage in an approved container.

Businesses that do NOT want to participate in the District should display signage that reads, “Alcoholic Beverages Prohibited.” Signage for those both participating and not will be provided by the City of Albemarle for businesses to display at their entrance.

Current Participants in the Social District

ABC Permittees

• Armadillo Axe Throwing
• Badin Brews
• Five Points Public House
• Connie's Coffee and Cafe
• Courthouse Tavern and Table
• The Tomahawk Throwing Range
• Uwharrie Brewing

Participating Businesses 

• Albemarle Music Store
• Hilltop Seafood
• LiviBug's Boutique
• Make It Personal
• Music on Main
• Second Street Sundries
• Starnes-Bramlett Jewelers
• Talent Company
• Top Dollar Jewelry & Loan
• Trent's Auto Repair
• Uwharrie Dash

Non-Participating Businesses

• Albemarle Printers 
• Bad Dog Comics    
• Blooms Royale    
• Brown Brown & Brown    
• Computer Visions  
• Consigning Kids    
• Elite Uniforms & Shoes    
• FBIS, A Banker's Insurance Co.    
• Goody Shop    
• Health Nutz    
• Huneycutt Law    
• Luna + Everest    
• Parnell & Scales Law Office    
• SCC Small Business Center    
• Satin & Lace    
• Stanly Co. History Center    
• The Bargain Store    
• Uwharrie Bank    
• Your Insurance Agency