Downtown Kinston Social District

Social Districts were implemented in 2021 with the intent of helping municipalities strengthen the usage of their downtown areas. Governor Roy Cooper signed House Bill 890, allowing local governments to create a social district within their communities. Kinston is now one of the latest municipalities to join the list of growing cities that have taken advantage of this fairly new piece of legislation and approved the creation of a social district in our downtown. The Downtown Kinston Social District will comply with the rules and regulations provided by North Carolina General Statute 18B-300.1.

Get ready to raise your spirits and engage with the district on social media using the hashtags #DKSD and #ReigniteTheMagic.

FAQs

What is a social district?

According to NC General Statue 18B-300.1, a social district is "a defined area in which a person may consume alcoholic beverages sold by a permittee. A social district may include both indoor and outdoor areas of businesses within or contiguous to the defined area during the days and hours set by the local government..."

Definition used by the City of Kinston Planning Department: A social district allows one to walk around a designated district with an alcoholic beverage during certain established hours.

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

The days and hours of operation for the Downtown Kinston Social District are as follows:

Monday-Sunday from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.

How can we identify participating businesses?

Each business within the district will have conspicuous signage indicating whether they participate (sell or welcome alcoholic beverages) or do not participate in the district.

Can I bring my own alcoholic beverage into the social district?

No. Outside alcoholic beverages are prohibited inside of the district. District patrons are only allowed to possess alcoholic beverages sold to them by ABC permittees within the district.

Can I take my alcoholic beverage outside of the social district?

No. District patrons are not allowed to carry their alcoholic beverages outside of district boundaries. Any person found with alcohol outside of the district may be criminally charged.

If I am a business owner will I have the option to opt-out of the social district?

Yes. Each business within the boundaries of the social district will be given the chance to opt out of the district if they choose not to participate.

What is the difference between cocktails-to-go and Social District drinks?

NC legislation recently made Cocktails-To-Go (CTG) legal. See the image for the difference between CTG and SDD (Social District Drinks).

Baddie Bar_Grill

If I have a question about the social district who do I contact?

Feel free to reach out to the City of Kinston's Planning Department with any questions, comments, or concerns regarding the social district.

How will the social district be regulated?

The maintenance and management plan for the district is available on this webpage under the DKSD Operations and Maintenance Plan section. That plan answers questions concerning the upkeeping and oversight of the district. For any emergency concerns within the district please contact local law enforcement.

How will social district boundaries be identified?

Proper signage will be posted at the boundaries of the district. Please be mindful that any alcoholic beverage beyond the posted signage delineating the boundaries is prohibited.

View All FAQs

Social District Business Interest Form

For businesses within the social district interested in participating (selling alcoholic beverages, welcoming alcoholic beverages, not welcoming alcoholic beverages). A submitted interest form is required to participate in the social district.
Business Owner Name
Business Name
Business Telephone Number
Business Address
Building Number, Street Name, City, State, Zip Code
Business Owner Email Address
Does your business currently have an ABC license that permits on-site consumption of alcoholic beverages
1. Yes
2. No
How would you like your business to participate within the social district?
1. Opt-In: Selling alcoholic beverages in your establishment
2. Opt-In: Allowing outside alcoholic beverages in your establishment
3. Opt-Out: My establishment will not be selling or allowing alcoholic beverages inside
Please note that this will determine the window decal your establishment receives.
Point of Contact Name & Number
If same as business owner, disregard.
Point of Contact Email Address
If same as business owner, disregard.
Point of Contact Position
e.g. Manager, Owner, etc.

Leave This Blank:

1. Receive an email copy of this form.
Email address

This field is not part of the form submission.
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Downtown Kinston Social District

DKSD Operations and Maintenance Plan

Social District Participants

FAQs

Social District Boundary Map

Social District Business Interest Form

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