SOCIAL DISTRICT

What is a Social District?

A social district is a defined outdoor area where alcoholic beverages, sold by an establishment licensed for the sale of alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption, may be consumed.

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When does the Social District go into effect?

Uptown Shelby's Social District will take effect on July 1, 2024.

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What type of drinks can be served in the Social District cups?

Beer or wine will be sold and served in social district cups by permittees in the social district.

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How will the social district boundaries be marked?

Signage will be posted at prominent points to indicate the boundaries of the district. A map of the social district and its boundaries is found on the city webpage.

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What are the days and hours of operation of the social district?

Monday through Sunday from 10:00 am until 10:00 pm.

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How will participating and non-participating businesses be identified?

Signage or window clings will be displayed in businesses to identify whether the establishment has opted-in or out of the social district. Participating & Non-participating Businesses will also be noted on this webpage once the ABC Commission grants approval of the social district.

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How does a business opt-in to the social district?

Businesses can use the 'Participating & Non-participating Businesses' link on this webpage to indicate their preference for participation in the Uptown Shelby Social District.

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What are the requirements of a social district cup?

• The cup clearly displays a logo or some other mark that is unique to the social district in which it will be consumed.

• The cup clearly identifies the permittee from which the alcoholic beverage was purchased.

• The cup displays, in no less than 12-point font the statement, "Drink Responsibly. Be 21."

• The cup shall not hold more than 16 fluid ounces.

• The cup is not comprised of glass.

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Can I bring my own alcoholic beverage, pour it into a social district cup and walk around in the social district?

No. Only drinks purchased from participating, permitted businesses within the social district are allowed. No outside beer, wine, or liquor can be brought into the social district.

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How many alcoholic drinks can I purchase at one time in the social district?

A single patron may purchase any combination of the following at one time:

See N.C. Gen. Stat. 18B-300.1 (e)(3) and 18B-1010.

1. Two beers, or

2. Two wines, or

3. One wine and one beer, or

4. One mixed drink 
    

Can I take an alcoholic beverage in my social district beverage home with me?

No. Beverages should be disposed of in the appropriate receptacle prior to exiting the social district.

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What about retailers within a social district that do not want alcohol inside their business?

All businesses located within the social district have the option to opt-out of the district; they do not have to allow alcohol within their place of business. Signage will be provided to all participating and non-participating businesses to clearly indicate their status within the district.

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Can I take my alcoholic beverage into a vehicle within the social district?

No. No person shall possess an alcoholic beverage while driving a vehicle, including bicycles, golf carts, and scooters. An open container of any alcoholic beverage is also prohibited in the passenger area of any vehicle while on the right-of-way within the social district.

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What happens if I leave the social district boundaries with an alcoholic beverage?

Individuals who leave the social district in possession of open containers of alcoholic beverages can be criminally charged, including aiding and abetting another.

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How will the social district be enforced?

Alcohol Law Enforcement (ALE) and local law enforcement have jurisdiction over the social district.

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How can I report when I see individuals breaking the regulations of the social district?

You can call the Shelby Police Department’s non-emergency number at 704.484.6845. In case of an emergency, when an immediate response is needed, call 911 to report the details of the crime you witness.