Wake Forest is gearing up for a new way to enjoy its downtown area, with the launch of the Wake Forest Social District set for June 5. Come noon on that Thursday, locals and visitors alike will have the chance to peruse beverages from participating establishments and meander through designated outdoor areas with drink in hand. This initiative will run Thursdays through Saturdays, wrapping up each evening at 9 p.m.
The Wake Forest Board of Commissioners greenlit the ordinance on March 18, extending the rights to drink freely within a specified area. As provided on Wake Forest's official website, the social district will encompass streets from South White Street to beyond Elm Avenue, and East Jones Avenue to South Brooks Street, among others. These boundaries, are to be indicated by clear signage, including information on district hours, limitations, and emergency contact numbers.
Participation requires that imbibers purchase their drinks in a special social district cup, fitted with a sticker denoting the source and time of purchase. Patrons can identify participating businesses by a blue "Sold Here" decal. Meanwhile, a green "Welcomed Here" decal signals places where district-bought beverages are allowed. Establishments with a red "Not Permitted" sign or no decal stand outside the drinking-friendly zone.
The Wake Forest policy stipulates certain rules: personal containers are off limits, and the social district brews must be sipped from the official cups. Moreover, alcohol is not permitted on the Town Hall campus, which includes Centennial Plaza and surrounding parking lots. Revelers must also heed "No Alcohol in Open Containers Beyond This Point" signs, by ditching their cups appropriately before leaving the area or getting into a vehicle.
