BLACK MOUNTAIN, N.C. — Imagine stopping into a pub, getting a beer in a to-go cup and strolling along the streets of historic Black Mountain.
The town of 8,500 is the latest in the region to consider enacting a Downtown Social District, similar to one that took effect earlier this year in Brevard.
The Town Council could take the first step in that direction at a meeting at 6 p.m. Monday at Town Hall, 160 Midland Ave. in Black Mountain.
The agenda includes a decision about whether to schedule a formal public hearing for May 13 to consider the necessary text amendments.
According to a report from Planning Director Jessica Trotman, an unidentified downtown business owner approached town officials and suggested a social district, where ABC licensed businesses could sell alcoholic beverages in approved “to go” cups for consumption within a defined district boundary.
“I’m certainly in favor of that,” said Town Mayor C. Michael Sobel. “It would help the business owners, because running a bar you don’t have much of a margin for a profit.”
He said he knows from experience. Back in the 1970s, he and a few buddies owned and operated “Wonk’s Dymaxion Bar,” for a few years, with the name giving a nod to the late local icon Buckminster Fuller. Fuller’s term “dymaxion” was a mashup of “dynamic” and “maximum,” and so, Sobol said, “We wanted to get ‘maximum utilization’ out of every pint.”
Sobol believes the social district idea would help more businesses share in revenues from tourists and other patrons in downtown Black Mountain if they were allowed to listen to a band and grab a beer at one place, and then continue up the street to explore.
Although he thinks some opposition might appear at Monday’s meeting, he believes it’s time to change the laws in the downtown. “The idea of going ahead and restricting people walking around carrying a beer has been too restrictive,” Sobol said. “Make it so it’s few rules, simple rules, and keep the rules.”
At least 60 communities across North Carolina have been creating such social districts since September of 2021, after the State Legislature approved and Gov. Roy Cooper signed House Bill 890, omnibus ABC legislation.
A social district went into effect in Brevard on Feb. 9, 2024, covering a six square block area bisected by Main Street. That district operates from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. seven days a week.
According to Brevard’s Social District Guide, the City Council approved it in August 2023 “as part of a larger effort to encourage foot traffic and increase commerce downtown.”
Following the requirements set out in state law, participating retailers have an option of registering to participate. If so they may distribute alcohol in conspicuously-labeled to-go cups that clearly identify the business, list the date and time of sale, show the district logo and include a “Drink Responsibly” message. The cups must be compostable or recyclable, meaning no single-use plastic is allowed.
J. Nicole Bentley, executive director of Heart of Brevard, said that educating local businesses about the regulations helped make for “a seamless launch” two months ago.
“I am pleased to report that the City of Brevard Police Department has not recorded any citations in The District, underscoring the effectiveness of our collaborative efforts to promote responsible use of the space.”
She said it’s a key part of promoting the downtown. An example is a “Shop and Stroll” event planned for this Friday, April 5, when many downtown businesses will extend their opening hours. “This reinforces the need for social districts, which are not as much about alcohol as they are for gathering, socializing and providing a place for families to enjoy downtown.”
“The entertainment value of the social district is the most important benefit, not alcohol consumption,” she said. “We envision this model continuing to invigorate our downtown area, serving as a vibrant hub for enhanced social interaction and community engagement.”
Brevard Police Chief Tom Jordan said his officers have not had any enforcement issues in the first two months. “We’re reserving judgment until we see what the busier months are,” he said.
“Whenever something like this gets proposed, you’re talking about alcohol and it being less contained, there are always concerns,” Jordan said. Police have to make sure people have legitimate, properly labeled and dated to-go cups, and don’t try to take them outside the social district boundaries.
Chief Jordan said he hopes most customers police themselves. “Be on your best behavior and follow the rules.” Otherwise, he said, “then we become the ‘cup police.'”
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This story was updated with comments from J. Nicole Bentley, executive director of Heart of Brevard, and Brevard Police Chief Tom Jordan.