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Planning and Development

SOCIAL DISTRICT

 

***The Downtown Smithfield Social District is still awaiting approval by the State of North Carolina. The following is information about the social district the will be in effect once approved.

Introduction

On July 7, 2022, Session Law 2022-49 was ratified amending G.S. 160-205.4 and adding new section 18B-300.1. These statutes authorized cities to adopt an ordinance designating one or more social districts for use in accordance with G.S. 18B-300.1 and identified the requirements and provisions that must be adhered to in order to operate a social district(s).


A social district allows for common areas where ABC licensed establishments may sell alcoholic beverages in designated containers to be carried into the common/approved area for consumption during days and times approved by the Smithfield Town Council for operation of the social district(s). Smithfield Social District Ordinance


The following plan illustrates the management and maintenance of the Downtown Smithfield Social District.

 

Management

The Downtown Smithfield Social District will be jointly managed by the Town of Smithfield and the Downtown Smithfield Development Corporation (DSDC), a 501(c)3 organization, contracted with the Town of Smithfield to manage Smithfield’s Downtown Municipal Service District. The Town of Smithfield will be responsible for police security, sanitation and erecting signage. DSDC will be responsible for the balance of the management responsibilities.

 

District Boundaries

The boundaries begin at Front Street and Market Street and stretch Southeast to 4th Street on both sides of Market Street. The social district includes the 100 block of South Third Street on both sides of the street. The social district includes the 100 block of South Front Street on both sides of the street to include the Town of Smithfield Amphitheater Property located at 150 South Front Street and extends into North Front Street on both sides of the street to include the property located at 101 West Market Street and its parking lot area on Front Street.


Operations
The Downtown Smithfield Social District will be in operation each week from Wednesday to Friday between the hours of 3:00 pm ending at 10:00 pm and on Saturday between the hours of 12:00 pm (noon) and 10:00 pm. The Social District will not be in operation on Sunday, Monday, or Tuesday each week.

Beverage Containers and Rules of Use

The following regulations apply to containers within the Social District:

  • The container shall display the unique Downtown Smithfield Social District logo.
  • The container will clearly identify the permittee from which the alcoholic beverage was purchased.
  • The container is not comprised of glass.
  • The container displays, in no less than 12-point font, the statement, “Drink Responsibly- Be 21”.
  • The container will not have a liquid capacity that exceeds 16 ounces.
  • A person shall dispose of any alcoholic beverage in the person’s possession prior to exiting the social district boundaries.
  • Permittees shall not allow a person to enter their licensed establishment in possession of an alcoholic beverage not sold by their establishment.
  • Social District containers may not be carried into a downtown Smithfield establishment unless invited to do so by displaying Downtown Smithfield Social District signage.

District Designation and Logo

The Downtown Smithfield Social District will utilize a newly created logo (example depicted above). Boundaries of the Social District will be clearly marked with signs affixed to all entrance/exit points. Signage will also include days and hours during which alcoholic beverages may be consumed in the social district, the telephone number for the ALE Division and Smithfield Police Department and a clear statement that an alcoholic beverage purchased from a permittee for consumption in the social district shall only be consumed in the social district and will be disposed of before exiting the social district.

Financing
The costs of establishing and managing the Downtown Smithfield Social District will be funded by the Town of Smithfield and the Downtown Smithfield Development Corporation.

 

Security and Enforcement
Security and enforcement within the Downtown Smithfield Social District will be provided by the Town of Smithfield Police Department.

Insurance

The Town of Smithfield is insured for its management and operation of the Social District.

Sanitation and Maintenance

The Town of Smithfield Sanitation Department provides sanitation services within the Downtown Smithfield Social District. These services include trash removal for participating downtown businesses, as well as the maintenance of public trash containers located throughout the downtown district. Trash receptacles will be available at all social district exit points to allow for proper disposal of unconsumed alcohol and approved social district containers.

 

Signage