Where would you like to see an alcohol-friendly social district in Asheville?
Alcohol laws in NC just got an update — and one regulation is changing for the first time since the early 1900s. Gov. Roy Cooper signed House Bill 890 into law last month and it's an all-encompassing effort to revamp drinking laws.
Here’s the major changes:
- Online ordering via the state-run ABC stores is now permitted, as well as the sale of refrigerated beverages.
- College sports fans can purchase 2 alcoholic drinks at a time, rather than just 1.
- As of Oct. 3, distilleries are now allowed to sell bottled liquor on Sundays between the hours of 12-9 p.m.
It's now totally kosher to purchase from area distilleries like Eda Rhyne on a Sunday. | Photo by AVLtoday
Another interesting aspect of the bill is that it allows cities + counties to create “social districts,” aka outdoor areas where people can consume alcoholic beverages sold by designated establishments. If you’re befuddled about how cities implement the districts, check out these examples.
We’re not quite Bourbon Street, yet though — the creation of these social districts comes with rules. Here’s a few:
- The district has to be clearly defined with signs posted to indicate what area is included, as well as the days + times that alcohol can be consumed.
- The city or county will create management + maintenance plans and post them on their website, including a rendering of the boundaries of the district.
- Drink containers must identify the establishment where the beverage was purchased, display a logo or mark unique to the social district, cannot hold more than 16 ounces, and must include a statement reading "Drink Responsibly – Be 21."
Can you imagine strolling out of Catawba Brewing, beverage in hand? | Photo via Catawba Brewing Co.
While the City of Asheville has not yet shared any inclination to move forward with the districts, we can’t help but wonder about the possibilities — and what you Ashevillians think about this new measure. Let us know below.
We'll hold your beer while you use the buttons below to share this story with anyone who has ever had questions about NC liquor laws.
Where would you want a social district created in Asheville?
We would love to hear your opinion on the topic.
- The South Slope
- Biltmore Village
- West Asheville's Haywood Rd.
- None of the above
Today
- Wild Bearings: Interview with Mark. H Woods | Wed., Oct. 6 | 7 p.m. | Virtual | Free | A live discussion about traveling and fishing the Parkway with former Blue Ridge Parkway Superintendent Mark Woods.
- Breach of Peace, written and performed by Mike Wiley | Oct. 6-17 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | NC Stage, 15 Stage Ln. | $25 | Written, performed, and produced by Mike Wiley Productions, this solo play about the 1961 Freedom Rides is a living monument to those who rose to face the dangers of fighting for justice and equality for all. Tickets on sale now. Ⓟ
Thursday
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11th Annual Justice Forum | Thurs., Oct. 7 | 5:30 p.m. in-person, 7 p.m. virtual | Rabbit Rabbit, 75 Coxe Ave. | $50 in-person, Free virtual | Pediatrician, activist + author, Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha, one of Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World, delivers the keynote speech at this fundraising event from Pisgah Legal Services.
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Patio Show: The Two Tracks | Thurs., Oct. 7 | 5 p.m. | The Grey Eagle | $10 | A lively, 4-piece band from Wyoming plays earthy Americana. 🎸
- Literacy Together Volunteer Orientation | Thurs., Oct. 7 | 5 p.m. | Virtual | Free | Learn how to help those struggling with literacy. 📚
- What is the Universe? | Thurs., Oct. 7 | 7 p.m. | Virtual | Free | Hear from astronomer Bob Berman. 🌃
Friday
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Pilobolus: BIG FIVE-OH! | Fri., Oct. 8-Mon., Oct. 10 | Various times | Wortham Center for the Performing Arts, 18 Biltmore Ave. | $55+ | The dance company celebrates its 50th anniversary.
- Scaling and Shifting Your Craft Business | Fri., Oct. 8 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Center for Craft, 67 Broadway St. | $5 | Learn how to determine your value in the marketplace. 📊
- Autumn at the Opry | Oct 8-31| 8 p.m. | Flat Rock Playhouse, 2661 Greenville Hwy. | $35+ | Enjoy honky tonk, bluegrass + more at the State Theatre of NC’s first show back on the Flat Rock Playhouse property. 🎶
- Asheville Adventure Center | Fri., Oct. 8-30, Weekends only | The Adventure Center of Asheville, 85 Expo Dr. | $15+ | This family-friendly haunt features an aerial glow trail, live entertainment, a life-sized pirate ship escape room, a kids play wall, crafts, and plenty of food. 👻
We have a monthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
A Millions of Peaches box membership means you’re joining a community of women that support each other | Photo provided
Have you heard about the Millions of Peaches Box? Think: beautifully-curated, seasonal boxes you can feel good about. Here’s why:
They give back a portion of their proceeds to The Homeless Period Project, and they support women-owned small businesses + female-focused non-profit organizations in their communities.
They’re passionate about connecting talented women + believe in community over competition — anyone is invited to join the Millions of Peaches group chat.
Bonus: Readers can use code FALLPEACH for 15% off an annual subscription. Ⓟ
Weather
- 71º | Rain | 70% chance of rain
Civic
Development
- The Buncombe County Board of Adjustments will evaluate 3 project proposals that comprise 740 new apartments at its Wed., Oct. 13 meeting. The developments include: 252 units between Lower Laurel Dr. and Watson Rd, 216 units near Long Shoals Rd., and 272 units between I-26 and Rockwood Rd. 🏗️ (Asheville Citizen-Times)
Community
- Good news for folks who have compost but nowhere to put it: Buncombe residents can now drop off food scraps + other compostable materials at the Buncombe County Landfill. Asheville residents can also register to drop off compost at the Stephens-Lee Recreation Center. Learn more.
Arts
- The 6th Annual Color Me Goodwill upcycled fashion show is looking for 7 Asheville area designers to compete at its event, which returns to The Orange Peel on April 29, 2022. Designers can apply as individuals or in teams of up to 3 people. Apply by Mon., Nov. 1. 👗
Film
- The theater department at Blue Ridge Community College will virtually debut “Haunted Hendo,” a series of short films about local myths and legends, via YouTube on Thurs., Oct. 28 at 7 p.m. Watch the trailer for a teaser of what’s to come. 🎬 (Mountain Xpress)
Cause
- Walk For Freedom Asheville, an anti-human trafficking awareness walk, will take place in downtown Asheville on Sat., Oct. 16 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. The walk will depart from 68 Haywood St. and move through downtown, before returning to the starting point. Learn more. 👟
Older Adults
- The Council on Aging of Buncombe County will offer “Introduction to Medicare — Understanding the Puzzle,” as a free course for senior citizens from Oct. 13-Dec. 2. The classes will cover Medicare basics, how to avoid penalties, and how to save money. Register here or by calling (828) 277-8288. (Mountain Xpress)
Theater
- On Oct. 15, Asheville Community Theatre will open its 76th season with the play Clue, a comedic performance based on the cult classic film + board game. The show will run for 12 iterations — on Friday and Saturday nights and Sunday matinees — through Nov. 7. Purchase tickets. 🎭
Featured
- Making Whole, an Asheville-based addiction recovery program, has been highlighted by Bitter Southerner for its inspiring work in this powerful feature. The 8,000 sqft studio offers recovering addicts a 1-year apprenticeship that pushes them to build custom furniture while gradually rebuilding their lives. 🪑
Try This
- The ReChaco Roving Repairs Bus will be in the River Arts District for the next 2 days offering shoe repairs and custom designs for Chacos. Today, it will be at Foundy St. from 12-6 p.m. Tomorrow, it’ll be at New Belgium Brewing’s 30th anniversary party from 2-7 p.m.
Feel Good
- A 3-year old Sylva boy has made it to the third round of the USA Mullet Championship, and is asking for the community’s help to win the national competition. He’s encouraging folks to vote once a day for 3 days. See the glorious mullet here. (WLOS)
Drink
- Drink LMNT replaces essential electrolytes with no sugar, no coloring, no artificial ingredients, or any other junk found in conventional electrolyte drinks. Get your free LMNT Sample Pack and only cover the cost of shipping. Ⓟ
You may know Asheville native Mariko Walker as the owner of the local clothing shop Mtn Merch, but this month, a lot more folks will get to know her as the local guest star in Outside TV’s new outdoor adventure series “Venturing Out: Park 2 Park.”
The 22-minute episode, featuring host + athlete Raheim Robinson, chronicles Mariko’s journey of learning how to mountain bike on area trails, and includes stops at local institutions like Youngblood Bikes, the French Broad Greenway, Citizen Vinyl, Bent Creek National Forest, and even a French Broad river adventure with the help of Zen Tubing. Watch it here.
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