Council expands Downtown Clayton social district to include new businesses

The Town Council of Clayton voted to expand the Downtown Clayton Social District to add additional businesses and public space downtown.

Amy Sharon, who presented the request, said the social district has been in effect since July 9, 2024, and currently allows patrons to carry licensed drinks in certain downtown public areas. "The Downtown Clayton Social District went into effect on 07/09/2024," Sharon said.

Why it matters: Council and staff said the district has supported downtown events and local businesses without producing an observable rise in service calls or litter. The expansion would formally add the Station (Old Town Hall) and the Magnolia Inn to the social district, increasing pedestrian connectivity and allowing those businesses to participate.

Details and approvals: Sharon told council the district currently includes ABC permittees and 24 businesses that allow patrons to take a drink inside. She said the district’s hours cut off at 10 p.m. daily and that festival vendors are included during events; for example, the Harvest Festival will have a single permitted alcohol vendor on Main Street.

Sharon requested council approval with an effective date of Nov. 10 to allow the town to resubmit boundary changes to the North Carolina Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission for their approval and to update maps and signage. Councilman Porter moved to adopt Report 2025-10-4; the motion was seconded and carried on a voice vote.

What was not decided: The ABC commission must approve the boundary change before it becomes effective; council’s approval is a local step in that process.