How to Create a Social District in Charlotte
Social Districts
Social districts are first established by a county or a city and then must be registered with the
North Carolina Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission.
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Social District – “A defined outdoor area in which a person may consume alcoholic beverages sold by a permittee. This term does not include the permittee's licensed premises or an extended area”
Special Signs - The Social District shall be clearly defined with signs posted in a conspicuous location indicating which area are included in the social district, and the days and hours during which alcoholic beverages may be consumed in the district.
Limited Boundaries - Before allowing consumption of alcoholic beverages in a social district, the city or county shall submit to the Commission a detailed map of the social district with the boundaries, of the social district, clearly marked.
Special Cup - The container displays (in 12-point font) "Drink Responsibly – Be 21." and a logo or some other mark that is unique to the social district.
Outside Only - A person is not allowed to enter or reenter a licensed premises with an alcoholic beverage not sold by the premises.
Charlotte’s Social District Process
The City of Charlotte has a 14-step application process and a Social Districts Standards and Provisions manual, which begins with a pre-application stage where city staff assess the request and schedule a meeting to discuss the proposal.
Charlotte’s 14 Step Process
1. Gauge Interest
2. Draft District Boundaries
3. Submit Pre-Application Materials
4. Pre-Application Review and Meeting with Staff
5. Draft Signage Plan
6. Draft Management and Maintenance Plan
7. Community Engagement
8. Application
9. Application Review
10. City Council Presentation and Public Comment
11. City Council Decision
12. Website
13. NC ABC Commission (the official requirement)
14. Social District Implementation
“The City of Charlotte has established a program to support formal and informal business associations in the creation of social districts that will utilize the public realm to increase patronage and economic vitality of businesses.”
Charlotte’s Frist Social District
Plaza Midwood Merchants Association is the first entity to have received approval from the Charlotte City Council and is currently working on completing the 14-step process.
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