Grabbing a drink in Salisbury’s social district just got easier

SALISBURY, N.C. ( QUEEN CITY NEWS ) — The Salisbury City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to remove an added regulation to the social district.

When the City Council voted to implement the social district in 2022 , they accepted state regulations and passed an additional regulation stating that businesses must write the date, time, and buyer’s name on the cup.

Following Salisbury’s decision, the City of Asheboro passed the same additional regulation but later removed the addition, reportedly stating it was not needed.

The City of Statesville polled the 18 businesses in their district; 14 responded, one of which has yet to start serving alcohol in the district. The remaining 13 said they hadn’t seen any underage drinking and that this extra step is deterring them from selling social district drinks.

Some also said they have stopped selling these to-go drinks during busy times due to having too few staff members to write on each cup.

Police Chief Patrick Smith said that police officers can ask for identification if they see someone who appears to be underage and holding a social district cup or any alcoholic beverage. He continued that the police department hasn’t seen any increase in crime or underage drinking in connection with the district.

Ultimately, the council unanimously voted to remove the extra requirement. Cups for the social district will still be clearly marked.

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