Social District
The Junction Social District
Welcome to The Junction Social District at The Nashville Junction. The social district allows visitors to purchase an alcoholic beverage from a participating ABC-permitted business and enjoy it within the designated district boundaries during approved days and hours. The Town of Nashville established the social district to support downtown activity, encourage walkability, and promote local businesses while maintaining clear rules for safe and responsible participation.
About The Junction Social District
A social district is a defined area where alcoholic beverages sold by a participating ABC-permitted business may be carried and consumed within the district in an approved social district container.
The Junction Social District includes a designated area within The Junction district of Nashville as adopted by Town ordinance. Boundary signage is posted to help visitors know where the district begins and ends.
Days & Hours of Operation
Monday-Saturday: 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Sunday: 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Outside of these hours, all state and local laws concerning the possession and consumption of alcohol remain in full effect.
How It Works
Visitors may purchase an alcoholic beverage from a participating ABC-permitted business located within The Junction Social District and enjoy that beverage within the district boundaries.
To participate:
1. Purchase your drink from a participating ABC-permitted business within the district.
2. Make sure your beverage is served in an approved social district cup.
3. Enjoy your drink only within the designated district boundaries.
4. Before leaving the district, dispose of your beverage.
5. Look for business signage to know whether beverages are sold, welcomed, or not permitted inside a business.
Social District Map & Boundaries
The Junction Social District boundaries are established by Town ordinance and shown on the official boundary map adopted by the Town.
Visitors should always look for posted boundary signage before leaving the district.
Approved Social District Cups
All alcoholic beverages consumed in The Junction Social District must be in an approved container that meets the following requirements:
* Clearly identifies the business from which the drink was purchased
* Clearly displays a logo or other mark unique to The Junction Social District
* Is not made of glass
* Displays the phrase **“Drink Responsibly - Be 21.”** in at least 12-point font
* Holds no more than 16 fluid ounces
Personal cups or outside containers are not allowed.--
Business Participation Signs
Businesses within The Junction Social District may choose whether and how to participate.
Alcoholic Beverages Sold Here
This sign indicates the business is a participating ABC-permitted establishment that may sell alcoholic beverages in approved social district cups.
Alcoholic Beverages Welcomed Here
This sign indicates the business allows customers to enter with approved social district beverages purchased from a participating business in the district.
Alcoholic Beverages Not Permitted
This sign indicates alcoholic beverages are not allowed inside that business.
Rules & Requirements
Under Town ordinance, alcoholic beverages in The Junction Social District must:
* Be purchased from a participating ABC permittee located within the district
* Be consumed only within The Junction Social District
* Be in an approved social district cup
* Be possessed and consumed only during approved district days and hours
* Be disposed of before a person exits the district
In addition:
* No BYOB is allowed
* Drinks may not be taken outside the district boundaries
* Drinks may not be carried into businesses that do not allow them
* All participants are expected to drink responsibly and follow all posted signage
Any violation of the ordinance may result in enforcement under applicable local and state law.
Information for Businesses
Businesses within the district may choose whether to participate.
ABC-Permitted Businesses
ABC-permitted businesses located within the district may sell alcoholic beverages for consumption within the social district if they comply with all Town and State requirements.
Non-Permitted Businesses
Non-permitted businesses may decide whether to allow social district beverages on their premises. Businesses that allow beverages must display the appropriate participation sign during district hours.
Waiver of Participation
Businesses that do not wish to participate in the district may file a waiver with the Town and display the applicable sign indicating beverages are not permitted.
For questions about participating in The Junction Social District, please contact the Town of Nashville.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a social district?
A social district is a defined outdoor area where alcoholic beverages sold by an establishment licensed for on-premises consumption may be consumed within the district boundaries.
When did The Junction Social District go into effect?
The Town Council approved Ordinance 2024-04 establishing the Town of Nashville Social District on June 4, 2024. Please contact Town Hall for the official implementation date used for public operations and business participation.
What are the days and hours of operation?
Monday-Saturday: 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Sunday: 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Can a convenience store sell alcoholic beverages to-go as part of the social district?
No. Participating locations must have an ABC permit for on-site consumption as outlined by North Carolina law.
Can I bring my own alcoholic beverage into the social district?
No. Alcoholic beverages must be sold by a participating permittee located within the social district. Personal beer, wine, or liquor may not be brought into the district.
Can I take an alcoholic beverage home with me in my social district cup?
No. Cups must be disposed of before exiting the social district.
Can I take my alcoholic beverage into a vehicle within the social district?
No. Alcoholic beverages may not be possessed in a vehicle as prohibited by law, including in the passenger area on a public right-of-way.
How can participating businesses be identified?
Participating businesses will display window signage showing whether they sell social district beverages, welcome approved beverages inside, or do not permit them.
How does a business opt in or opt out of the social district?
Businesses located within the district may contact the Town of Nashville for participation requirements, signage, and waiver information.
How many alcoholic drinks can I purchase at one time?
A single patron may not be sold or delivered more than two alcoholic beverages at one time if the drinks are beer or wine, and no more than one drink containing liquor at one time, as allowed by law.
How will the social district be enforced?
Alcohol Law Enforcement (ALE) and local law enforcement have jurisdiction over the social district.
How will the boundaries be marked?
Boundary signage is posted by the Town to identify where the social district begins and ends. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted beyond those boundaries.
What cups will be used for the social district?
Participating establishments must use cups that meet all statutory and Town requirements. The Town provides the approved social district logo for use on qualifying cups.
Requirements include:
* The container may not hold more than 16 fluid ounces
* The container may not be made of glass
* The container must clearly identify the permittee from which the beverage was purchased
* The container must clearly display the approved social district logo unique to The Junction Social District
* The container must display the statement **“Drink Responsibly - Be 21”** in at least 12-point font
What happens if I leave the social district boundaries with an alcoholic beverage?
Individuals who leave the district with an alcoholic beverage may be subject to enforcement under applicable law.
What if I am a retailer and do not want alcohol inside my business?
All businesses located within the social district may choose whether to participate. Businesses that do not wish to allow beverages may opt out and display the appropriate sign.
Contact
Town of Nashville
499 S. Barnes St.
Nashville, NC 27856
Phone: 252-459-4511 ext. 221
For more information about The Junction Social District, business participation, or district boundaries, please contact Town Hall.