To-go alcohol sales in downtown Fayetteville: Here to stay or going away?

Taylor Shook, Fayetteville Observer
·2 min read

Late last year, Fayetteville City Council authorized a trial Downtown Social District, temporarily allowing patrons to sip to-go cocktails, beer and wine purchased from authorized businesses on streets and sidewalks.

Monday night, the city decided to keep the party going, making the Downtown Social District permanent.

“It shows that our downtown is growing and evolving and can compete with anyone’s downtown,” Councilman Mario Benavente said Tuesday.

Councilman D.J. Haire was the only member of the council to oppose the proposal during Monday night's meeting. Haire did not return a request for comment Tuesday.

Previously: To-go alcohol sales in Fayetteville are booming. What's next for the Social District?

Patrons have purchased tens of thousands of to-go alcoholic beverages in the last year, said Bianca Shoneman, president and CEO of Cool Spring District, which receives city funding to promote arts and entertainment downtown.

Collectively, she estimates that the program has generated at least an additional $150,000 in revenue for participating businesses.

“We are glad to see it be made a permanent fixture in our downtown,” she said Tuesday.

Gaston Brewing Company owner Troy Rassmussen said that he expects the permanent Social District to work hand-in-hand with such entertainment projects as the new Crown Events Center to grow Fayetteville's downtown.

"We have yet to fully realize the true importance and impact of this initiative," he said of the Social District. "I believe we will reap the benefits in the near future."

A passionfruit mimosa to go from The Sip Room, 106 Hay St. in Fayetteville. On Dec. 11, the city voted to make the trial Downtown Social District permanent.
A passionfruit mimosa to go from The Sip Room, 106 Hay St. in Fayetteville. On Dec. 11, the city voted to make the trial Downtown Social District permanent.

Fayetteville Downtown Social District: Hours, rules and map

Downtown Social District hours are noon to 10 p.m. Monday to Saturday and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday.

Outside alcohol is not permitted; only alcohol purchased from participating businesses can be consumed in the Social District.

Beverages can only be consumed within the boundaries of the Social District.

The boundaries of Downtown Fayetteville's new social district, where it is legal for people to go about on the streets with open containers of alcohol. The beverages must be purchased from participating businesses downtown. Street drinking hours are noon to 10 p.m., Monday to Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday.
The boundaries of Downtown Fayetteville's new social district, where it is legal for people to go about on the streets with open containers of alcohol. The beverages must be purchased from participating businesses downtown. Street drinking hours are noon to 10 p.m., Monday to Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday.

Patrons can purchase to-go alcohol at the following businesses:

  • The Sip Room

  • Bright Light Brewing Company

  • Bruce’s Sportsblock and Lounge

  • Winterbloom

  • Pierro’s Italian Bistro

  • Blue Moon Cafe

  • Gaston Brewing Company

  • Cameo Art House Theater

  • The Livery Cigar Emporium

  • Archway Burgers, Dogs, And Beer

  • The Coffee Scene Prince Charles

  • Hay Street Kitchen and Rooftop

  • Huske Hardware Restaurant & Brewery

  • Vibe Gastropub

Previously: Drinking is now legal on the streets of downtown Fayetteville. Here's what you need to know

Social District drinks may be consumed on the premises of the following businesses:

  • Ravens Nest Tattoo & Cranium Co.

  • Reverie Goods and Gifts

  • American Barber Shop & Nail Spa

  • Garnet Skull

  • Hummingbird Candle Co.

  • The Sweet Palette

  • PRESSED

  • City Center Gallery & Books

  • Stevies on Hay

  • The Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County

  • A Bit of Carolina

  • Momma’s Village

  • Washington Apparel Company

  • Malzone Marketing Inc.

  • Cursive

  • Fayetteville Wellness Center

  • Greater Fayetteville Chamber

  • Turner Lane

  • Fabulous Finds Boutique

  • Bails for Tails Thrift and Donation Store

  • Blanc Coffee Roasters

Food, dining and business reporter Taylor Shook can be reached at tshook@gannett.com, on Twitter, or Facebook. Want weekly food news delivered to your inbox? Sign up for the Fayetteville Foodies newsletter.  

This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: Fayetteville Social District here to stay after split council vote