The Town of Madison is excited to announce their Downtown Madison Social District officially began Friday, July 1, 2022. Social District hours are Thursday and Friday from 5:00 pm until 11:00 pm, Saturday from 12:00 pm until 11:00 pm and Sunday from 1:00 pm until 8:00 pm.
In spring 2021, North Carolina General Assembly passed a bill known as Bring Business Back to Downtown that allows public drinking in designated areas, referred to “Social Districts.” The bill grants counties and cities authority to establish Social Districts that will allow open carry of alcoholic beverages in designated areas during specific times. The bill further states that Social Districts must be established by an ordinance approved by the Governing Board and acknowledged by the North Carolina Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission.
Through numerous conversations and discussion, the Downtown Madison Social District was brought to fruition after the Town of Madison Board of Aldermen adopted an ordinance creating a Social District that encompasses much of Downtown Madison. The ordinance includes requirements for the sale, possession, and consumption of alcoholic beverages along with days and times the Social District is active and a map showing the boundaries.
“After much consideration, our town leaders were able to determine the economic impact having a designated Social District could have on our town,” stated Kevin Baughn, Town of Madison, Manager. “Being the first Social District in the county, Madison’s local businesses and Downtown area now have an even more unique draw for our residents and visitors to enjoy.”
The boundaries of the Social District are identified by signs and all alcoholic beverages must be purchased and consumed within those boundaries; individuals are not permitted to take beverages outside of the district or bring beverages into the district. Hell on Horsecreek, Southern Spirits, Gia’s Distillery, Wine Nox, and Madison Cork Supply are participating ABC permittees and will be able to sell and serve beverages on their own premises for consumption throughout the Social District. All alcoholic beverages will be required to be served in clear plastic cups, no larger than 16 oz that display the Social District Logo, the ABC permittee that served the beverage, and “Drink Responsibly – Be 21.” Alcoholic beverages purchased from one ABC permittee are not allowed to be taken into another ABC permittee’s premises.
Once a beverage is purchased, Social District visitors will be allowed to carry and consume that beverage within the boundaries of the Social District as well as take that beverage into participating shops that display the “Social District Shop Here” logo – if a business does not display this logo, please do not take your beverage into the establishment.
“The implementation of the Social District will make Downtown Madison a more inviting place for people to visit, stay, and shop,” said Bobbie Webster, President, Madison Merchants Guild. “The Social District will give our guests more mobility to see all of the amazing things Downtown Madison has to offer.”
