City officials, community leaders, and residents gathered to celebrate the grand opening of Kinston’s new Social District with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The event marked a significant milestone for the city, aiming to boost economic development and community engagement in the downtown area.

Kinston City Manager Rhonda Barwick kicked off the ceremony by welcoming attendees and acknowledging the collective effort behind the project. “We just cannot let this day pass without recognizing all the hard work and the future economic development we really hope will come from this project,” Barwick said. She also took a moment to recognize various city officials and community leaders present at the event, including Kinston Mayor Dontario Hardy, members of the City Council, and representatives from the Lenoir County Commissioners.

Mayor Hardy expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, highlighting its potential to revitalize the downtown area. “This innovative initiative marks a significant step forward in enhancing the vibrancy and economic vitality of our downtown area,” Hardy stated. He emphasized the collaborative efforts between local businesses, city officials, and community leaders in bringing the Social District to life.

The Social District, defined by NC General Statute 18B-300.1, allows individuals to consume alcoholic beverages sold by permittees within a designated area during specific hours. The Downtown Kinston Social District operates daily from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., providing a unique opportunity for residents and visitors to enjoy the city’s offerings in a relaxed and engaging environment.

Linda Rouse Sutton, Chair of the Lenoir County Commissioners, also spoke at the event, praising the City Council’s foresight. “I cannot tell you how excited we are about this opportunity that the City Council has had the foresight to see and what it can do to help Lenoir County and the city of Kinston,” Sutton said. She noted the safe and inviting atmosphere the Social District aims to create, promoting enjoyment and community interaction.

The Social District is expected to attract more patrons to local shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues, fostering economic growth and community spirit. Anthony Clark, a member of the Social District Committee, expressed gratitude to his fellow committee members for their dedication to the project. “This is just the beginning,” Clark remarked, indicating the district’s potential for future success.

With the ribbon officially cut, the new Social District is now open, inviting residents and visitors to explore and enjoy Kinston’s downtown area. Businesses participating in the district will display signage indicating their involvement, ensuring a seamless experience for patrons.

For more information about the Social District, including participating businesses and regulations, residents are encouraged to contact the City of Kinston’s Planning Department.

.What is a social district?

According to NC General Statue 18B-300.1, a social district is "a defined area in which a person may consume alcoholic beverages sold by a permittee. A social district may include both indoor and outdoor areas of businesses within or contiguous to the defined area during the days and hours set by the local government..." 

Definition used by the City of Kinston Planning Department: A social district allows one to walk around a designated district with an alcoholic beverage during certain established hours. 

2.What are the days and hours of operation of the social district?

The  days and hours of operation for the Downtown Kinston Social District are as follows:

Monday-Sunday from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. 

3.How can we identify participating businesses?

Each business within the district will have conspicuous signage indicating whether they participate (sell or welcome alcoholic beverages) or do not participate in the district. 

4.Can I bring my own alcoholic beverage into the social district?

No. Outside alcoholic beverages are prohibited inside of the district. District patrons are only allowed to possess alcoholic beverages sold to them by ABC permittees within the district. 

5.Can I take my alcoholic beverage outside of the social district?

No. District patrons are not allowed to carry their alcoholic beverages outside of district boundaries. Any person found with alcohol outside of the district may be criminally charged.

6.If I am a business owner will I have the option to opt-out of the social district?

Yes. Each business within the boundaries of the social district will be given the chance to opt out of the district if they choose not to participate. 

7.If I have a question about the social district who do I contact?

Feel free to reach out to the City of Kinston's Planning Department with any questions, comments, or concerns regarding the social district. 

8.How will the social district be regulated?

The maintenance and management plan for the district is available on this webpage under the DKSD Operations and Maintenance Plan section. That plan answers questions concerning the upkeeping and oversight of the district. For any emergency concerns within the district please contact local law enforcement. 

9.How will social district boundaries be identified?

Proper signage will be posted at the boundaries of the district. Please be mindful that any alcoholic beverage beyond the posted signage delineating the boundaries is prohibited. 

10.How do businesses opt-in to the social district?

Businesses have an opportunity to complete a form that will give them the option to participate/not participate in the district. This form titled 'Social District Business Interest Form,' is available at the bottom of this webpage. 

11.Are businesses without a social district decal consider a participating business?

No, all participating businesses have window decals stating their status within the social district. If the business does not have a Downtown Kinston Social District window decal, the presence of beverages in that establishment will be up to the business owner.