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Downtown Oxford Social District

The Downtown Oxford Social District is set to begin Tuesday, September 1, 2022, starting at 1200 PM. (1)

Hours of Operation:
Wednesday through Saturday, 12:00 Pm - 9:00 PM
Sunday 1:00 PM - 9:00 PM  

Alcoholic beverages may be consumed in the designated social district areas (outlined in the map below) during the specified hours of operation. Beverages must be in social district containers and must be discarded before you exit the designated boundaries. Window clings will be present in storefronts Downtown indicating whether or not they are participating and/or allow beverages inside. Please note, it is the decision of the business owner as to whether they allow beverages in their establishment and we ask that you please respect their choice. Green (beverages welcome), red (no beverages allowed) and yellow (beverages sold here) window clings have been provided to Downtown merchants and will be placed in their windows.

HOW DOES IT WORK?
  • ORDER beverages from one of the participating businesses located within the social district
  • DRINK from a cup with a specifically designed sticker where the drink was purchased.
  • ENJOY strolling through the designated areas of the social district while exploring Downtown Oxford.
  • DISCARD your cups into trash cans located throughout the social district BEFORE leaving. 

RULES AND REGULATIONS:
  • Drinks must be consumed from the official Downtown Oxford Social District cup, with an accompanying sticker at drink purchase, and hold no more than 16 oz. 
  • Visitors may explore Downtown Oxford with their beverages within the designated district from 12 pm-9 pm Wednesday -Saturday and 1 pm-9 pm on Sundays. 
  • Check to see if the Downtown retailer allows beverages before entering the establishment. Look for the social district window cling in the front windows. 
  • Don't carry drinks into another bar or restaurant that serves alcohol.
  • Discard cups into trash cans before leaving the designated areas. 
Social District Map
SocialDistrictMap_yellow-01-01

Social District Window Clings
Downtown businesses located within the social district boundaries will have window clings indicating whether or not they permit alcoholic beverages inside. *NOTE: This is solely at the discretion of the business, so please make sure to respect their choice. Examples of the window clings have been provided below. 


City of Oxford Social District Ordinance
DOEDC_Window_BevsWelcome
DOEDC_Window_NoBevs
DOEDC_Window_SoldHere
SDCup
SocialDistrictSign

Social District FAQs

What is a social district?
A social district is a defined area in which a person may consume alcoholic beverages sold by an ABC permittee located within a social district (designated area). It can include indoor and outdoor areas of business within or contiguous to the defined area during the days and hours set by the governing body. A social district may include privately owned property, including permittees and non-permittee businesses, and multi-tenant establishments, as well as public streets, crosswalks, or parking areas whether the streets or parking areas are closed to vehicle traffic. (definition from the NC Retail Merchants Association)
When did the City of Oxford adopt the Social District Ordinance?
The Oxford Board of Commissioners adopted the Social District at the May 10, 2022, Regular Meeting. 
When are the social district hours of operation?
Wednesday - Saturday, 12:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Sunday, 1:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Who can I contact about the social district?
You can contact Oxford City Hall for non-emergency complaints and questions at 919-603-1100. 

Alcohol Law Enforcement (ALE): 919-779-8188
Emergencies: 911
When does the social district go into effect?
The Downtown Oxford social district is expected to go into effect on September 1, 2022.