Social District

Sip, stroll and enjoy Downtown Fayetteville!

North Carolina law allows cities to create designated social districts where alcoholic beverages purchased from participating businesses can be enjoyed beyond the business where they were purchased. Fayetteville City Council established the Downtown Social District by ordinance in 2022, giving residents and visitors another way to experience all that downtown has to offer.

The Social District doesn't mean alcohol can go anywhere, though. Drinks must be purchased from a participating business, served in an approved Social District cup and enjoyed within the district boundaries during designated hours.

How It Works

Grab a drink. Explore downtown. Know the rules.

  • Purchase an alcoholic beverage from a participating restaurant, brewery, or bar.
  • Your drink will be served in an official Social District cup.
  • Enjoy your beverage while walking within the Social District or visiting businesses that welcome Social District drinks.
  • Look for posted stickers before entering a business - participation is optional!
  • Finish or dispose of your drink before leaving the Social District.

    When Can I Sip and Stroll?

    Social District Hours

    Monday–Saturday: Noon–10 p.m.
    Sunday: 10 a.m.–10 p.m.

    Where is the Downtown Fayetteville Social District?

    The Downtown Fayetteville Social District includes designated areas of downtown. Social District drinks must remain within the boundaries shown on the map below.

    Before you leave the district: Finish your beverage or dispose of it in a trash receptacle.

    Social District Map.png

     

    Know Before You Go

    Businesses within the Downtown Fayetteville Social District choose whether to participate. Look for Social District signs before entering:

    Social District elcomed Here Door Sticker.jpgSocial District Sold Here Door Sticker.pngSocial District Not Permitted Here Door Sticker.png

    Who Manages the Social District?

    The Downtown Fayetteville Social District is managed by Cool Spring Downtown District in partnership with the City of Fayetteville. Cool Spring oversees the day-to-day management of the district, including coordination with participating businesses and implementation of the City's Social District Management and Maintenance Plan.

    The Social District Management and Maintenance Plan(PDF, 139KB) outlines how the district operates, including its boundaries, hours of operation, signage, sanitation, safety and other management requirements.

    Businesses interested in participating in the Social District should contact Cool Spring Downtown District or visit their Social District webpage for participation information.

     

     

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