Wake Forest commissioners approve social-district ordinance amid resident objections, 4-1

The Wake Forest Board of Commissioners on March 18 approved an ordinance to create a downtown social district that would allow patrons to carry alcoholic beverages in approved, non‑glass containers within a mapped area of the downtown. The measure passed 4‑1, with Commissioner Cross voting no.

Downtown Development Director Jennifer Herbert presented the ordinance, describing proposed days and hours (Thursday, Friday and Saturday, noon–9 p.m.), the requirement that participating ABC‑licensed businesses opt in, and rules for a clear, non‑glass cup that would bear a social‑district logo and time/date markings. The ordinance would allow beverages purchased on an establishment’s licensed premises to be carried off that premises only within the social‑district boundary. Herbert said the town proposes a delayed implementation to allow time for the required materials and ABC Commission filings, with a proposed effective date of June 5 and a six‑month review in November.

Herbert also described operational safeguards discussed with police: increased signage, an initial requirement that participating businesses mark cups with vendor information and time, and language in the ordinance giving the town manager authority to suspend the social district at the chief of police’s request if problems arise. She said the town would coordinate with event organizers for special events that fall inside the district and that public‑restroom access and future mobility‑hub planning are being considered.

Several downtown residents testified in opposition or asked for more public outreach. Abby Black said she surveyed 46 nearby homes and reported less than half of responding households supported a social district; she urged the board to delay the vote and hold an open house and townwide survey. Tripp Black and Max Black presented data and safety concerns, citing potential increases in DUI and the difficulty of relying on signage to control impaired pedestrians. Nikki Black said the term “social” understates that the ordinance governs alcohol and urged investments in benches, public art and other ways to increase downtown social life without expanding alcohol availability.

Board members who spoke in favor said they want the district to be more than “being able to have a beer on the sidewalk” and expressed interest in pairing the district with programming that would draw broader foot traffic. The board scheduled a six‑month review to assess days/hours and whether boundaries should be expanded if new ABC‑licensed businesses open.

The motion to adopt the ordinance carried 4‑1. The ordinance text referenced Chapter 20, Article 1, Section 20‑2 of the town code (public consumption and possession of alcohol). The ordinance as presented includes a proposed effective date of June 5, and an internal review at the Board meeting in November to consider adjustments.