About the Wake Forest Social District
Social Districts
Social districts are areas where people can walk with open, to-go containers of alcoholic beverages (malt beverages, unfortified wine, fortified wine, spirituous beverages and mixed beverages) in a contiguous area. A social district may include both indoor and outdoor areas of businesses within the defined district during the days and hours established for the district.
The Downtown Wake Forest Social District will take effect June 5, 2025.
Wake Forest Social District Hours
Beginning June 5, 2025, the Wake Forest Social District will operate Thursday-Saturday from Noon to 9 p.m.
The Wake Forest Social District allows alcoholic beverages to be consumed within district boundaries, Thursday–Saturday, Noon–9 p.m. Boundaries for the social district are clearly marked with signage at prominent exit points of the district.
Visitors to the district are not allowed to bring and consume their own alcoholic beverages – no BYOB. Any alcoholic beverages consumed in the social district must be consumed from the required social district cup. A person cannot pour their wine, beer, or liquor into a solo cup or any other type of container. Only alcoholic beverages sold by a participating ABC permitted establishment within the district may be consumed in the social district cup.
A person may take their alcoholic drink into the establishment where they bought it, another participating business that allows the specially labeled social district cups, or a public, outdoor space within the district's boundaries. No alcoholic beverages are to be taken inside the Wake Forest Town Hall municipal campus, parking lot, or in a non-participating business within the parameters of the district. A person is required to dispose of any alcoholic beverage in the person’s possession prior to exiting the social district or entering a vehicle.
Coming Soon!
Business Participation Signs
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Social District Cups
Cup Requirements
The container for all social district beverages must meet all the following requirements:
Clearly identifies the permittee from which the alcoholic beverage was purchased, and the date and time the beverage was served.
Includes the Wake Forest Social District logo.
Includes the words: “Drink responsibly. Be 21” in minimum 12-point font.
Is clear (see through) and not made of glass.
Shall not hold more than 16 fluid ounces (but it may hold less).
Follows all guidelines regarding the use of the Wake Forest Social District logo.
Businesses located within the social district boundaries can decide how they wish to participate.
NC ABC permitted businesses can participate in the following ways:
Selling and serving alcoholic beverages in Wake Forest Social District cups.
Allowing or not allowing Wake Forest Social District cups from other establishments on the premises of their business.
Non-permitted businesses can decide whether to allow Wake Forest Social District beverages from other NC ABC permitted establishments on to the property of their business.
Signs or window clings will be displayed to indicate the businesses’ participation status:
Alcoholic Beverages Welcomed Here: indicates that social district beverages are allowed within the business from other NC ABC permitted establishments.
Alcoholic Beverages Sold Here: indicates that social district cups are sold and served at the business.
Alcoholic Beverages Not Permitted: indicates that social district beverages are not allowed within that business.
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Participation Status
Names of businesses (alcoholic beverages sold here, welcomed here, and not permitted) coming soon!
Businesses not listed here are not participating in the social district. It should be assumed that customers can neither order, nor enter with, a social district cup at the establishment.
How to Participate
Businesses must submit the Social District Registration Form in order to Opt-In or to Opt-Out and receive appropriate business participation status decal. Any business that has not completed this registration form will not receive a decal and therefore by default will be opted out. A business can re-submit this form to change their selection at any time, but please allow up to ten business days for applicable participation status decal. The registration form link is coming soon.
Any ABC Permittee participating in the social district is strongly encouraged to consult with their own attorney or ABC Commission staff to familiarize themselves with the statutory and regulatory requirements associated with the social district and the consumption of alcohol beverages they sell that are carried into the district.
It shall be unlawful for any person to possess an open container of an alcoholic beverage on any property owned, occupied, or controlled by the Town of Wake Forest or County of Wake, including parking facilities, unless that property has been designated by the town or county as eligible for the consumption of alcohol under the rules of the social district and applicable state law.
Any town or county property designated as eligible will display signage accordingly.
Social District Requirements
Under North Carolina law and the Town of Wake Forest Social District Ordinance, an alcoholic beverage purchased for consumption in the social district must:
Be consumed in the social district Thursday through Saturday from noon to 9 p.m.
Be disposed of before exiting the social district unless entering a business within the social district that allows alcoholic beverages to be brought inside the business.
Patron Requirements
The possession and consumption of an alcoholic beverage in a social district is subject to all the following requirements of North Carolina law:
Only alcoholic beverages purchased from a NC ABC permittee located in the social district may be possessed and consumed.
Alcoholic beverages must:
Only be in a designated social district cup.
Only be possessed and consumed during the days and hours set by Wake Forest:
- Thursday - Saturday: Noon until 9 p.m.
A single patron cannot be sold or in possession of more than two alcoholic beverage drinks at one time that contains beer and/or wine.
A single patron cannot be sold or in possession of more than one alcoholic beverage drink at one time that contains liquor.
A person must dispose of any alcoholic beverage before exiting the social district unless entering a business that allows social district cups to be brought inside the business as indicated by the green "Alcoholic Beverages Welcomed Here" decal.
ABC Permittee Requirements
Under North Carolina law and the Town of Wake Forest Social District Ordinance, a NC ABC permittee located and selling alcoholic beverages within the social district must meet the following requirements:
Only sell and serve alcoholic beverages on its licensed premises.
Only sell alcoholic beverages for consumption off its premises within the social district in a container that meets all the following requirements:
The container clearly identifies the permittee from which the alcoholic beverage was purchased.
The container clearly displays a logo or some other mark that is unique to the social district in which it will be consumed.
The container displays, in no less than 12-point font, the statement, “Drink Responsibly – Be 21.”
The container shall not hold more than 16 fluid ounces.
The container is not comprised of glass.
A NC ABC permittee located and selling alcoholic beverages to be consumed off premises within the Wake Forest Social District should meet the following Wake Forest requirements:
Include the name of their business on the social district sticker to be placed on the clear cup.
Write the date and time of when the drink was served on the Wake Forest Social District sticker to be placed on the clear cup.
Place appropriate receptacles in a prominent location(s) on the premises of their establishment.
Place required "Alcoholic Beverages Sold Here" decal on entrance to establishment.
When a special event held pursuant to the issuance of a special event permit, issued by the Town of Wake Forest, the terms of the special event permit supersede the provisions of the Wake Forest Social District within the boundaries of the special event. If a special event permit holder chooses to opt out of the social district, signage will need to be posted at points of entry to the special event notifying the public that alcohol is prohibited, otherwise, social district beverages are allowed to enter a special event. If a special event area overlaps with the social district and there is a vendor selling alcoholic beverages at that event under their designated special event permit, those drinks are NOT allowed to leave the special event area. For example a beer purchased at a Friday Night on White concert event from a brewery selling in the street under their special event brewery permit cannot leave the Friday Night on White event boundaries.
It is the decision of the special event permit holder to choose whether to allow social district beverages to enter the special event boundary. That decision can be made when a person applies for the special event permit with the Town of Wake Forest.
DO'S
Have fun but be responsible and respectful.
Order a drink in a “Social District Cup” from an establishment in the social district with a blue “Alcoholic Beverages Sold Here” decal.
Enjoy your drink within the social district boundaries.
Take your drink inside of establishments that allow drinks in, as indicated by a green "Alcoholic Beverages Welcomed Here" decal.
Dispose of your social district cup before exiting the social district or entering your vehicle.
Follow all rules associated with the social district.
DON'TS
DON’T bring your own alcohol.
DON’T bring your own cup or refill your social district cup.
DON’T take social district beverages outside of the social district boundaries, indicated by “Wake Forest Social District Ends Here” signage.
DON’T consume an alcoholic beverage off premise of a NC ABC permitted establishment unless it was served in the Wake Forest Social District labeled cup.
DON’T ignore “No Alcohol Beyond This Point” signage.
DON’T assume that every business is participating. Please check for the appropriate decals before entering. If there is no decal or the decal is red, then no entry is allowed.
What is a social district?
A social district is a defined area where alcoholic beverages, sold by an establishment licensed for the sale of alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption, may be consumed in a social district cup specific to the district.
In September 2021, Gov. Roy Cooper signed House Bill 890 allowing local governments to create social districts within the state of North Carolina, and then in July 2022 signed into law a bill that further clarifies social district requirements. On March 18, 2025, the Wake Forest Board of Commissioners passed an ordinance allowing the creation of the Wake Forest Social District with an effective date of June 5, 2025.
When does the Downtown Wake Forest Social District go into effect?
The Downtown Wake Forest Social District goes into effect on June 5, 2025.
What type of drinks can be served in the Wake Forest Social District cups?
Alcoholic beverages (beer, wine, malt beverages, unfortified wine, fortified wine, spirituous beverages, and mixed beverages) can be sold and served in social district cups by NC ABC permittees in the social district.
How are the social district boundaries marked?
Signage is posted at prominent points to indicate the boundaries of the district. A map of the social district and its boundaries is found on this webpage.
Will Wake Forest expand the Wake Forest Social District or create new ones?
The initial Wake Forest Social District allows Town of Wake Forest staff to first manage and enforce a smaller district. This strategic approach increases staff's confidence and ability to manage the district prior to exploring expansion to a larger footprint.
What are the days and hours of operation of the social district?
The Wake Forest Social District operates Thursday through Saturday from noon to 9 p.m.
Why does the social district end at 9 p.m.?
Most downtown retail and restaurant businesses close by 9 p.m. Plus, it captures the end of the dinner crowd prior to the start of nightlife activity.
How are participating and non-participating businesses identified?
Signage or window decals are displayed at business entrance to identify whether the establishment has opted-in or out of the social district. Participating and Non-Participating Businesses are also noted on this webpage.
How does a business opt-in to the social district?
Visit the "Participating & Non-participating Businesses" tab on this webpage.
What are the requirements of a social district cup?
Clearly identifies the permittee from which the alcoholic beverage was purchased, and the date and time the beverage was served.
Includes the Wake Forest Social District logo.
Includes the words: “Drink responsibly. Be 21” in minimum 12-point font.
Is clear (see through) and not made of glass.
Shall not hold more than 16 fluid ounces (but it may hold less).
Follows all guidelines regarding the use of the Wake Forest Social District logo.
How does Wake Forest handle litter within the social district?
Wake Forest will ensure that sufficient trash and recycling receptacles are available in prominent locations within and around the Wake Forest Social District. Downtown Development staff, along with Facilities and Public Works, will ensure that trash and recycling are attended to regularly on Wake Forest-owned property.
How many alcoholic drinks can I purchase at one time in the social district?
A single patron cannot be sold or in possession of more than two alcoholic beverage drinks at one time that contains beer and/or wine.
A single patron cannot be sold or in possession of more than one alcoholic beverage drink at one time that contains liquor.
Can I take an alcoholic beverage in my social district cup home with me?
No. Beverages should be disposed of in the appropriate receptacle prior to exiting the social district.
Can I bring my own alcoholic beverage, pour it into a social district cup and walk around in the social district?
No. Only drinks purchased from participating, NC ABC permitted businesses within the social district are allowed. No outside beer, wine, or liquor can be brought into the social district.
Can a mobile pushcart sell alcoholic beverages as a part of the social district?
No. Participating locations must be a fixed permanent establishment with an ABC permit for on-site consumption as outlined in NCGS 18B-904.1(a).
Can a convenience store sell alcoholic beverages to-go as a part of the social district?
No. Participating locations must have an ABC permit for on-site consumption as outlined in NCGS 18B-904.1(a).
What about retailers within a social district that do not want alcohol inside their business?
All businesses located within the social district have the option to opt-out of the district, so they are not required to allow alcohol within their place of business. Signage is provided to all participating and non-participating businesses to clearly indicate their status within the district.
Can I take my alcoholic beverage into a vehicle within the social district?
No. No person shall possess an alcoholic beverage while driving a vehicle, including bicycles and scooters. An open container of any alcoholic beverage is also prohibited in the passenger area of any vehicle while on the right-of-way within the social district.
What happens if I leave the social district boundaries with an alcoholic beverage?
Individuals who leave the social district in possession of open containers of alcoholic beverages can be criminally charged.
How is the social district being enforced?
Alcohol Law Enforcement (ALE) and local law enforcement have jurisdiction over the social district.
How can I report when I see individuals breaking the regulations of the social district?
You can call the Wake Forest Police Department’s non-emergency number at 919-554-6150. In case of an emergency when an immediate response is needed, call 911 to report the details of the crime you witness.
In addition to the Wake Forest Police Department, you can also report violations to the Alcohol Law Enforcement Division or Wake County ABC Enforcement.