Monroe Social District

The City of Monroe has designated the Monroe Social District to allow citizens to enjoy alcoholic beverages within the downtown area. On September 8, 2021, the North Carolina General Assembly approved House Bill 890, which made changes to state Alcoholic Beverage Control laws. HB 890 was signed by Governor Cooper on September 10, 2021, and it is now law as Session Law 2021-150. The relevant change for this issue and the City is that local governments are allowed to establish Social Districts and common areas where patrons of existing ABC permittees can freely assemble to consume purchased beverages. The law opens much of downtown as an entertainment area for community assembly which is consistent with the revitalized downtown area efforts.

 Rules:

Alcoholic beverages may be consumed in the Social District from Monday- Saturday 8:00 AM to 12:00 AM and Sunday 10:00 AM to 12 AM.

No outside alcohol is permitted within the district. All alcoholic beverages must be purchased from establishments located within or contiguous to the district (in specially labeled cups) and must be consumed within the District.

Upon leaving an establishment where an alcoholic beverage is purchased, the beverage must be consumed or discarded before entering a different business that serves alcohol.

No alcoholic beverages may be brought into or consumed within Public facilities

All alcohol in open containers must be disposed of before exiting the District or entering a vehicle.

Map of the Social District

Information for ABC Permit Holders

ABC permitted establishments must ensure they meet all legal requirements for carding and limiting consumption of alcoholic beverages. The establishment can only serve two beers/wine drinks, or one liquor drink, to one patron at a time.

Alcoholic beverages that are sold for consumption in the District may only be sold in a container that meets all the following requirements:

  • The container clearly identifies the ABC permittee from which the alcoholic beverage was purchased.
  • The container clearly displays the Monroe Social District logo.
  • The container is not made of glass.
  • The container displays, in no less than 12-point font, the statement, "Drink Responsibly – Be 21."
  • The container cannot hold more than 16 fluid ounces.


Businesses located within or contiguous to the District that do not serve alcohol may permit people to enter with an alcoholic beverage in an approved container. Businesses not wishing to participate in the District should install signage indicating “Alcoholic Beverages Prohibited.”

  • The City will provide window decals with the Social District logo
  • Businesses not wishing to participate in the District should install signage indicating “Alcoholic Beverages Prohibited.”.

Enforcement and Reporting

City of Monroe Police Officers will enforce the requirements of the Monroe Social District.

To report potential violations, please call the Monroe Police Department at 704-282-4728 or the Monroe ABC Enforcement Division 704-226-5993.