Clayton’s social district launches July 11

CLAYTON — Something new is brewing downtown. At 10 a.m. Thursday, July 11, the town’s new social district goes live.

“The social district is a game-changer for downtown Clayton,” said Mayor Jody McLeod. “It’s about bringing people together in a fun, relaxed environment while supporting our fantastic local establishments. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone enjoying this new addition to our town.”

The Town Council on May 6 adopted an ordinance creating and governing the Downtown Clayton Social District. The ordinance allows people 21 and older to purchase beer, wine and mixed drinks from participating businesses and enjoy them in other establishments and outdoor areas within the social district.

The Downtown Clayton Social District will operate from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 10 p.m. Sundays within the following boundaries:

• Main Street from Ellington Street to Smith Street.

• First Street from O’Neil Street to Horne Square.

• Second Street from O’Neil Street to Lombard Street.

Christi Thompson is a downtown business owner and chairwoman of Clayton’s Downtown Development Advisory Board. “We are thrilled about the upcoming launch of the Downtown Clayton Social District, which aims to create a safe and inviting space for our community to gather and support local businesses,” she said. “Whether exploring or unwinding, we want everyone to have fun, be responsible and experience all that our downtown has to offer.”

To enjoy the Downtown Clayton Social District, customers will order a drink in a “to-go container,” which has a social district sticker, from any business with a blue “Sold Here” decal on its door. Then they will be able to enjoy that beverage within the boundaries of the Downtown Clayton Social District and at businesses with a green “Welcomed Here” decal on their door. If a business has a red “Not Permitted Here” decal on its door or doesn’t have a decal at all, then social district beverages are not allowed.

Here are a few rules drinkers will need to keep in mind:

• Personal containers are not allowed.

• People cannot bring alcohol from outside the social district to consume.

• Drinkers must adhere to all “No Alcohol Beyond This Point” signs.

• Everyone must dispose of their to-go container before leaving the social district or getting into a vehicle.

“The primary objective of the Downtown Clayton Social District is to boost economic activity by increasing foot traffic and creating a vibrant downtown atmosphere,” said Patrick Pierce, the town’s economic development director. “We are committed to finding new and innovative ways to attract people and keep our business community strong.”

For more information, go to claytonnc.org/socialdistrict.

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