Benson is latest Johnston town to create social district

BENSON — Add Benson to the growing number of Johnston County and N.C. towns with social districts.

The Benson Board of Commissioners voted last November to move forward with a social district. Earlier this year, the state’s Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission approved Benson’s request.

The town’s social district allows people to drink alcoholic beverages within a defined block downtown.

The boundaries are the two anchor businesses that sell alcohol — Salvaged Heirlooms on West Main Street and Fainting Goat Brewing Co. on West Parrish Drive. Completing the one-block district are South Railroad Street and South Ellis Drive.

Benson’s interest in a social district gained steam with the completion of the Printer Drive Alleyway social space in October 2023.

“We were already thinking about applying for a social district when we were finishing up the alleyway project,” said Town Manager Kim Pickett. “We really wanted to make sure our businesses on that block would be able to utilize the alley space and people in downtown could enjoy a drink in nice weather.”

However, the social district is about more than alcohol sales, Pickett said. It’s also about increasing foot traffic, creating a nice atmosphere and encouraging residents and visitors alike to spend more time — and money — in downtown Benson.

“We’re excited to have this social district designation,” Pickett said. “Right now, it’s essentially for the alleyway, but we hope to expand the district in the future as Benson continues to grow.”

Six businesses are within the new social district, with two — Fainting Goat and Salvaged Heirlooms — participating.

Signage around the perimeter defines the boundaries of Benson’s new social district. Alcohol is allowed inside the boundaries but not outside.

When a patron purchases alcohol, the business will put the drink in a cup with a Town of Benson Social District sticker. The patron is free to take the drink outside, either in front of the business or into the alleyway social space.

Benson’s social district hours are 1-8 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 1-10 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and 1-6 p.m. Sundays.

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