CLAYTON – Something special is brewing in the heart of Downtown Clayton. Starting at 10 a.m., Thursday, July 11, the Town’s new social district goes live.
“The social district is a game-changer for Downtown Clayton,” said Clayton Mayor Jody McLeod. “It’s about bringing people together in a fun, relaxed environment while supporting our fantastic local establishments. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone enjoying this new addition to our town.”
The Town Council unanimously approved the Downtown Clayton Social District ordinance on May 6. This ordinance allows individuals who are 21 years or older to purchase alcoholic beverages from participating ABC-permitted businesses and enjoy them in other establishments and outdoor areas within the social district.
The Downtown Clayton Social District will operate from 10 a.m. – 10 p.m., Mondays-Saturdays and noon to 10 p.m., Sundays within the following boundaries:
· Main Street from Ellington Street to Smith Street
· First Street from O’Neil Street to Horne Square
· Second Street from O’Neil Street to Lombard Street
“We are thrilled about the upcoming launch of the Downtown Clayton Social District, which aims to create a safe and inviting space for our community to gather and support local businesses” said Downtown Development Advisory Board Chair and downtown business owner Christi Thompson. “Whether exploring or unwinding, we want everyone to have fun, be responsible, and experience all that our downtown has to offer.”
To participate in the Downtown Clayton Social District, customers will order a drink in a “to-go container,” which has a designated social district sticker, from any business with a blue “Sold Here” decal on its door. Then they will be able to enjoy that beverage within the boundaries of the Downtown Clayton Social District and at businesses with a green “Welcomed Here” decal on their doors. If a business has a red “Not Permitted Here” decal on its door or doesn’t have a decal at all, then social district beverages are not allowed.
There will be a few rules defined in the ordinance that participants will need to keep in mind as well: personal containers are not permitted; people cannot bring their own alcohol in the social district to consume; participants must adhere to all “No Alcohol Beyond This Point” signs; and everyone must dispose of their “to-go container” before existing the social district or entering a vehicle.
“The primary objective of the Downtown Clayton Social District is to boost economic activity by increasing foot traffic and creating a vibrant downtown atmosphere,” said Town of Clayton Economic Development Director Patrick Pierce. “We are committed to finding new and innovative ways to attract people and keep our business community strong.”
Public drinking. This will make a huge impact on the lives of Clayton residents.
Lots of rules with no mention of enforcement. What could go wrong?
I like to have an adult beverage on occasion, but I don’t feel the need to carry it up and down the street from business to business. The planning for this seems to be a little shortsighted. I’m not so sure special containers and decals will work. This could put a non-participating business owner, with a red decal, in a position where they would need to confront someone that comes in with an alcoholic beverage by mistake? “Please leave my place of business since I’m not participating and I don’t have an ABC permit”… I’m sure that will go over well and bring that potential customer running back to shop there, NOT. Are we going to arrest those who inadvertently carry an open container down the street without the special cup? I do not live in the city limits, but I hope the public had input on this before the council passed it. If not, shame on them. If so, we reap what we sow. Game-changer
As i posted earlier – mounted police with batons! This seems rather short sighted