Asheville, NC, July 22, 2025
News Summary
The Asheville City Council is considering a social district proposal to allow open alcoholic beverages in downtown to recover from declines in foot traffic and sales due to Tropical Storm Helene. This initiative, limited to events, aims to boost local commerce and enhance collaboration among businesses. Discussions are ongoing with various stakeholders to ensure community engagement and support for the initiative.
Asheville Considers Social District to Boost Downtown Businesses Impacted by Tropical Storm Helene
The Asheville City Council is currently evaluating a proposal for a social district that would allow individuals to carry open alcoholic beverages as they move between participating businesses in downtown, a move aimed at reviving local commerce following the impact of Tropical Storm Helene. Council members expressed concern about a reported 16-20% decrease in foot traffic and a 20-30% drop in sales for local businesses since the storm passed through the area.
The concept of a social district, which is regulated by a state law passed in 2021, would be more limited than traditional models. It is intended to operate only during permitted festivals and special events, rather than throughout the year. This initiative is part of an effort led by the Asheville Downtown Association, which has been in discussions with city officials since June 2023 on strategies to stimulate economic recovery.
During a Planning, Economic Development, and Environment committee meeting on July 15, 2023, Asheville Downtown Association Director Hayden Plemmons outlined the benefits of creating a social district. Currently, the N.C. Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission recognizes 64 municipalities in North Carolina with registered social districts, many of which have reportedly been successful without increasing litter or emergency service calls.
If the proposal moves forward, an ordinance will need to be established, detailing how and when the social district would operate. City staff have been tasked with researching pertinent factors, including cost, liability issues, and drafting the necessary ordinance language. Locations under consideration for the social district include South Slope, Wall Street, and Page Avenue.
In light of the declining visitor numbers—3.9 million people visited downtown Asheville in the past six months, a 23% decrease from the prior year—and approximately 40 businesses closing due to financial challenges post-storm, there is an urgent need for revitalization efforts. Local businesses are optimistic that a social district could enhance the retail experience and encourage collaboration among establishments, especially in popular areas like the brewery and bar-heavy South Slope.
Feedback from downtown workers and residents has also been emphasized by council member Kim Roney, highlighting the importance of community engagement before the proposal advances. Meanwhile, Jen Hampton, co-chair of Asheville Food and Beverage United, has noted mixed responses about the social district concept and plans to organize a town hall for more extensive discussions.
The Asheville Downtown Association aims to complement the social district with additional strategies, such as enhancing pedestrian zones and introducing a parking voucher program, to promote increased activity in downtown areas. Alongside the social district proposal, the council is looking into revisiting the 2009 Downtown Master Plan to ensure ongoing improvements are made.
Contextual Background
The social district proposal arises as Asheville faces significant economic challenges following a tropical storm that has impacted local commerce. The city’s downtown saw a decline in visitors, which has had a severe effect on sales and business sustainability. An effective social district, aimed to support entrepreneurs by simplifying alcohol sales during events, could be critical for economic recovery in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene.
Key Features of the Proposal
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Open Container Policy | Allows individuals to carry alcoholic beverages between participating businesses. |
| Time Restriction | Operational during permitted festivals and special events only. |
| Regulatory Support | Consistent with state law and supported by N.C. Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission. |
| Community Engagement | Feedback from residents and workers to be incorporated before final approval. |
| Potential Locations | Proposals include South Slope, Wall Street, and Page Avenue. |
FAQs
What is a social district?
When would the social district be operational?
What steps are being taken for community feedback?
What are some anticipated benefits of the social district?
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Additional Resources
- AVL Today: Takeaways From the State of Downtown
- Spectrum Local News: Drinking Social Districts in North Carolina
- Mountain X: Social Districts Slow to Catch On in WNC
- Carolina Journal: Social Districts on the Rise Across NC
- WLOS: NC Counties & Cities Can Create Social Districts
- Wikipedia: Social District
- Google Search: Social Districts in North Carolina
- Google News: Social Districts Asheville
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
