Downtown Social District

On July 18, 2023, Marion City Council unanimously adopted an ordinance establishing the Downtown 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.

This specifically zoned area allows for alcoholic beverages, purchased from participating ABC permitted businesses to be carried within the designated area between the hours of 11 am and 10 pm, Monday through Sunday, seven days a week.

Beverages must be in specifically marked cups and purchased only from approved permitted businesses within the district. The district boundaries will be clearly marked with signage, and all businesses will have signage or decals in their storefronts that designate whether beverages are sold in the establishment, allowed within the establishment, or if beverages are not allowed.