Social District in downtown Elkin

Downtown Elkin Social District  (starting on 5-26-23) 

What is a Social District?

The North Carolina General Assembly passed Session Law 2021-150 in 2021 allowing cities to create “social districts” where individuals over 21 can buy an alcoholic beverage from licensed establishments (i.e. bars, breweries, restaurants) and consume to-go drinks within a designated common area and within participating businesses.  On April 10^th the Elkin Town Board approved the creation of a Social District for Downtown Elkin.

Social District hours of operation in downtown Elkin

• Monday – Sunday; 10:00 am – 10:00 pm

What is required of participating locations with ABC permits in the downtown social district?

Beverages must be in marked cups, and businesses within the social district have the right to opt out of the district by not permitting alcohol in their establishment.  Please make sure that before entering any business that they have the marked decal designating approval of open containers inside their store.

What if a downtown business does not sell alcohol?

It is up to any downtown business whether they wish for someone to enter their establishment with an alcoholic beverage. If they decide to allow it, a sign will be placed near the entrance so a patron will know it’s allowed. If there is not a sign on the front entrance, then no alcohol is allowed within. 

Are there businesses/buildings in the downtown excluded from participating in Elkin’s social district?

Places of Worship, Schools, and Federal buildings.

What is required by customers & visitors in the district?

DO:

• Purchase your beverages ONLY from permitted businesses.
• Please enjoy your beverages ONLY within the DTM Social District boundaries.
• Be responsible for your behavior. Follow all rules associated with the Downtown Elkin Social District.
• When enjoying your Social District beverages, please only enter businesses with signage that permits alcoholic beverages and stay within the DTM Social District. DO NOT Assume that every business located within the Downtown Elkin Social District zone participates.

DO NOT:

• Bring or refill your own cups, only Social District cups can be used in the district.
• Bring your own alcohol, or sit in your parked vehicle to drink.
• Take any alcoholic beverages outside of the designated Social District zone. Boundaries are designated by signage, and a map can also be found online. 

Downtown Elkin Social District Rules

A person can only possess and consume alcoholic beverages purchased from an ABC permittee located in the social district.  A person cannot bring their own personal beer, wine, or other alcoholic beverage into the social district for consumption.

Any alcoholic beverages consumed in the social district must be consumed from a specially marked cup which is provided by the ABC permitted business.  In other words, a person cannot pour their wine or beer into a solo cup or any type of container other than the one meeting all the requirements for social districts.  Alcoholic beverages shall only be possessed and consumed in the social district during from 10 am to 10 pm, 7 days a week per the Town of Elkin ordinance.

​A person is required to dispose of any alcoholic beverage in the person's possession prior to exiting the social district.  In other words, if a person is leaving the social district area, they must pour out or throw away their alcohol. They also cannot take it with them into any other business that sells alcohol unless that business permits it. There will be a sign on the door indicating that.

Downtown Elkin Social District Map & Signage

Print off / download a map by clicking here for PDF version. 

SIGNAGE: 

These signs (below) will be at street/pedestrian entrances when entering or exiting the Social District. 

       

Look for these signs (below) at the entrances to the businesses you are walking in to.  If they do not allow drinks coming in to their establishment, you'll have to finish your beverage outside, or throw it in an outside trash receptacle before entering. 

 


You'll find these signs (below)  in front of participating restaurants and cocktail bars within the Social District that have an ABC license.  Any location that does NOT have an ABC license, cannot serve alcoholic beverages that are permitted to leave their store/gallery/restaurant.  For example, an art gallery can serve a free glass of wine, but you cannot leave the art gallery with that glass of wine. The drinks must be in approved glasses that only are available at locations with an ABC permit. 


Please drink responsibly while enjoying your time in downtown Elkin.  Remember, no outside liquor/beer/wine is permitted within the Social District.