A Social District is an exception to NC's open container law that allows the Town of Sylva to have a designated area to allow citizens to enjoy alcoholic beverages in its downtown area.  

The hours permitted are Monday through Saturday 8am-9pm, and Sundays 10am-9pm.

Here's How it Works . . .

RULES AND REGULATIONS:

  • Drinks must be consumed from the official Social District of Sylva cup received at purchase.
  • Visitors may stroll with their beverages within the Social District of Sylva only Monday Saturday, 8 AM - 9 PM, and Sundays, 10 AM – 9 PM.
  • ​Check to see if a retailer allows Social District of Sylva drinks before entering the establishment. Look for the Social District of Sylva sign at the door.
  • ​Your cup must be empty before entering another bar or restaurant that serves alcohol.
  • 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.
  • All alcohol in open containers must be disposed of before exiting the District or entering a vehicle.

Participating Restaurants/Bars

Balsam Falls Brewing Co

Balsam Falls Brewing Co

506 West Main Street

Sylva, NC 28779

(828) 631-1987

Breadheads Tiki Shak

606 West Main Street

Sylva, NC 28779

561-385-9940

City Lights Cafe

3 East Jackson Street

Sylva, NC 28779

(828) 587-2233

Dark Moon

545 Mill Street 

Sylva, NC 28779

(828) 331-0111

Ilda in Sylva

462 West Main Street

Sylva, NC 28779

(646) 377-5944
Innovation Brewing

Innovation Brewing

414 West Main Street

Sylva, NC 28779

(828) 586-9678

Lazy Hiker Brewing Taproom & Mad Batter Kitchen

617 West Main Street

Sylva, NC 28779

(828) 349-2337

Martha's Place

553 West Main Street

Sylva, NC 28779

Sante, The Wine Bar

470 West Main Street

Sylva, NC 28779

(828) 631-3075
Retailers Where You Are Welcome to Bring Your Social District Beverage

  • Black Balsam Outdoors
  • Blue Ridge Bootleg Coffee
  • Dixie & Company
  • Fusions Spa
  • In Your Ear Music Emporium
  • Jackson County Chamber of Commerce (porch only)
  • Jackson County Farmer’s Market
  • Little Cove Bread
  • Mountain Flora Dispensary
  • Motion Makers Bicycle Shop
  • Parlor & Co.
  • Southern & Sunkissed
  • Treasures Unknown
  • Underground Sylva
  • Wild Kitchen Supply
Social District Boundary

Boundary Lines: 

Scott's Creek to East Jackson Street, Nantahala Brewing to Innovation Brewing

The Boundary Includes: 

Main Street, Mill Street, Bridge Park


The Boundary Excludes:

Churches, Government Buildings, Public Parking Lots, Schulman Street, and Evalina Street.

What is a Social District?

On September 8, 2021, Session Law 2021-150 was ratified, allowing local governments to establish “Social Districts" within their jurisdictions. These Social Districts allow for common areas where licensed establishments (e.g., bars, breweries, restaurants) may sell alcoholic beverages in designated containers to be taken into the common area for consumption.


Enforcement and Reporting

Town of Sylva Police Officers will enforce the requirements of the Social District of Sylva.

To report potential violations, please call:

Sylva Police Department
(828) 586-2916

N.C. Alcohol Law Enforcement Division
1-877-ALE-AGENT.

Social District Plan & Town Ordinance

A copy of the Social District Registration with the ABC Commission, North Carolina is available for your review.

Learn More