NEWS

The Town’s new social districts go into effect this Friday, March 15. The hours they are in effect are 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., seven days a week. Davidson’s social districts have been under discussion and planning for more than a year.

A change in North Carolina law in 2021 was initially designed to help businesses during COVID, allowing for “carry out” beverages. The law was updated in 2022, and those updates led to the discussions in Davidson. In March 2023 Town Economic Development Director Kim Fleming made an initial presentation to the Town Board, providing extensive background on the proposal. She noted at the time, that local businesses had approached the Town to begin the conversation. Additionally, the topic was raised by members of the community during the meetings and public input sessions for the Downtown Small Area Plan.

Fleming’s March 2023 presentation was followed up with a second discussion at the April 25, 2023 board meeting. Commissioners approved the social district plan  on May 9, 2023. And while many thought the program would be up and running before summer 2023, the time between then and now has been used to finalize all the details. Local businesses have had the opportunity to opt in or out of the program, signage has been designed, and approved containers have been created.

The Town has established two distinct social districts, full size photos of each are provided at the end of this article. A very basic overview is that one district runs along Main Street, between Depot Street and South Main Square, while the other district is at the Circles at 30.

Important details for people interested in using the new social districts.

• You still have to be 21 years old to purchase alcoholic beverages.
• You have to purchase the drinks at approved venues within the social districts with “SOLD HERE” signage.
• You must use the specifically marked containers for carrying alcoholic beverages out of the establishment where it was purchased.
• You must abide by the signage, especially respecting businesses where alcoholic beverages are NOT permitted.
• You cannot carry an open alcoholic beverage between the two different social districts.
• You cannot BYOB.

For more information about the social districts, please visit the Town website.