Town of Spindale - Spin Social District

Hours of Operation: Monday-Saturday, 10am-11pm

General Information

In 2021, the State of North Carolina enacted a law that allowed local governments to establish “Social Districts" within their jurisdictions. These Social Districts allow for common areas where licensed establishments (e.g., bars, breweries, restaurants) may sell alcoholic beverages in designated containers to be taken into the common area for consumption.

At the July 15th, 2024 Spindale Board of Commissioner's Meeting, the Board of Commissioners voted to approve and enact the Spin Social District by amending Chapter 96 of Spindale's Ordinances. This ordinance, and the Spin Social District, will go into effect on August 14th, 2024.

The Town of Spindale wishes to extend its gratitude to the Spindale Business Community for its partnership in establishing the Spin Social District and for the design and development of signage. Click here to learn more about the Spindale Business Community.

Please scroll through this page to view important information about the Spin Social District.

Rules for Individuals

Possession and Consumption of Alcoholic Beverages: Persons consuming alcoholic beverages within the social district shall abide by the following rules:

1. Only alcohol purchased from a permitted business within the social district and that is in an approved social district container may be consumed within the social district.

2. Alcoholic beverages purchased in an establishment that serves alcohol may not be carried into a different establishment that serves alcohol– even if that business participates in and is within the area of the Spin Social District.

3. Alcoholic beverages may not be carried into any non-participating businesses within the social district.

4. Alcoholic beverages must be disposed of before a person leaves the social district.

5. A person shall not consume alcohol in any public area within the social district except during the days and hours set forth in this policy and in the social district ordinance (Monday- Saturday, 10am-11pm)

Rules for Businesses

Sale of Alcoholic Beverages: ABC Permittee businesses selling alcoholic beverages for consumption within the social district shall comply with the following rules:

1. ABC Permittee businesses shall only sell alcoholic beverages on their licensed premises

2. Alcoholic beverages sold for consumption in the social district must be housed in a container that meets the following requirements

a) The container clearly identifies the permittee from which the alcoholic beverage was purchased.

b) The container clearly displays a logo or some other mark that is unique to The Spin Social District.

c) The container is not made of glass.

d) The container displays, in no less than 12-point font, the statement, “Drink Responsibly – Be 21.”

e) The container is no larger than 16 fluid ounces

3. ABC Permittee businesses shall not allow a person to enter or reenter their licensed premises with an alcoholic beverage not sold by the permittee or otherwise obtained elsewhere.

4. ABC Permittee businesses shall only sell alcoholic beverages for consumption within the social district during the days and hours set forth in this plan and the social district ordinance (Monday-Saturday, 10am-11pm).

Spin Social District Licensing and Registration Agreement.pdf

ABC Permit Holders wishing to participate in the Spin Social District must apply for a license agreement (pictured left) with the Town providing a consent to abide by the rules, regulations, and requirements of the Town, the ABC Commission, and ABC statutory requirements. Participating businesses must receive written confirmation and approval from the Town prior to selling beverages to be consumed within the social district. There are no fees or costs associated with completing the license agreement form and receiving approval from the Town of Spindale.

Businesses without an ABC Permit may participate in the social district by allowing alcoholic beverages purchased and possessed in accordance with this plan and the Social District Ordinance to be consumed in their businesses. Participating businesses that are not selling alcoholic beverages are not required to apply for a License Agreement with the Town.

Businesses without an ABC Permit are not required to participate or be included in a social district or to allow customers to bring alcohol onto its premises.

*The form to the left may be completed and emailed to: wstroupe@spindalenc.net. Alternatively, copies are available at Town Hall.

Window Signage Requirements

Businesses wishing to participate in the Spin Social District must prominently display the appropriate signage graphic (pictured below) at all public entrance locations

Only the uniformed images below are able to be used by participating businesses to satisfy signage requirements

If the appropriate signage is not displayed, a business is ineligible to participate in the Spin Social District.

Businesses opting out of the Spin Social District are encouraged, but not required, to display the opt out signage

Click here to access a printable page of the approved signage