Smithfield Votes To Allow Bars And Private Clubs Downtown
SMITHFIELD, N.C. – A plan to allow private clubs and bars in Smithfield’s B‑1 (downtown) zoning district passed the Town Council on a 6–1 vote Tuesday night, despite concerns from nearby residents who argued the change threatens the character, stability, and long‑term vision of Downtown Smithfield. The amendment, which supporters framed as an economic development tool, drew scrutiny over its timing, necessity, and potential consequences for the residential neighborhoods that border the downtown area.
The new ordinance allows bars and private clubs in the B‑1 district under specific conditions, but critics questioned whether those conditions go far enough — or whether the town is moving too quickly to reshape downtown in ways that may not align with community expectations. The amendment requires that any bar be no larger than 2,500 square feet, be located within the Town’s Social District, and maintain at least 200 feet of separation from churches, childcare facilities, and residential properties. No more than two bars will be allowed per block. Outdoor seating must be enclosed with visible barricades and limited access points, and amplified sound must comply with the town’s noise ordinance. All establishments must obtain a Special Use Permit and meet both Town and State ABC permitting requirements.
Even with these restrictions, opponents argued the town is opening the door to uses that could fundamentally alter the feel of downtown. During the public hearing, Billy Massengill of North Second Street warned that placing bars so close to homes could harm family life and property values. He said he was not opposed to bars in general but believed they were incompatible with residential living in such close proximity, especially in a historic district. Pam Lampe, also of North Second Street, said the move “feels a little desperate” and argued that downtown should be reserved for strong retail rather than alcohol‑based uses. She also questioned the impact on the Historic Overlay District and raised concerns about the legality of the petition application itself, noting it had been signed but not fully filled out.
Mayor Pro Tem Sloan Stevens, who backed the change, argued that the town already permits breweries and distilleries in the B‑1 district.
Supporters insisted the change is necessary to keep downtown competitive. Downtown Smithfield Development Corporation Executive Director Heidi Gilmond said allowing small‑scale bars would increase evening and weekend foot traffic, support restaurants, retail shops, and the performing arts center, create jobs and generate additional tax revenue, encourage redevelopment and private investment, and strengthen downtown’s identity as a destination for food, arts, and entertainment. She said a broader mix of businesses makes downtown more competitive, more resilient, and more attractive to both visitors and investors. Gilmond stated research consistently shows well‑managed bars do not inherently increase crime, and that increased activity can improve safety through greater visibility and consistent foot traffic. She emphasized that Smithfield already has safeguards in place to address noise concerns.
Some residents questioned whether the town is prioritizing nightlife over long‑term planning, and whether the change reflects a coherent strategy or a reactive attempt to stimulate activity without fully considering the consequences. Others noted that the proximity of the courthouse, homes, churches, and childcare facilities makes downtown uniquely sensitive to changes in permitted uses.
Town planning staff and the Planning Board recommended approval, saying the amendment aligns with the Town of Smithfield Comprehensive Growth Management Plan and its “Vibrant Downtown” goals. But the council’s vote did little to settle the broader debate. Even with the zoning change, the North Carolina ABC Commission retains final authority over alcohol permits, and must consider neighborhood impacts, traffic, parking, and proximity to churches and schools before issuing any license.
Board members noted during the discussion that The Little Brown Jug at 101 W. Market Street is zoned B‑2, not B‑1 — underscoring that the ordinance change would not apply to the existing downtown bar. Because of restrictions in the newly adopted ordinance, the 100 block of South Third Street is the only likely location for bars and nightclubs in downtown B-1 zoning.
Councilman Travis Scott stood alone in opposing the ordinance change.
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All this is fine by me. The bigger issue is parking!
The only businesses left downtown is are some ***** lawyers, and overpriced ****** place, and a trashy **** shop. Somehow “7 town managers” selma fixed their downtown first it’s actually kind of nice
Why aren’t all the bible thumpers yelling NIMBY?
The only people I personally know that do not drink – don’t attend church. I have been to so many different churches all over this county over 40+ years – and have not found a single that was not half full of hypocrites.
Affairs, drinking, gambling – you name it -it goes on – not saying every single person in the congregation- but so many people are going to church just for the optics of being in church. Most are truly not following the teaching of Jesus to begin with. Around here it seems people prefer to skip the New Testament and adhere to a few cherry picked words from the Old Testament. The entire works are written by man – mere mortals with a story to tell – nothing more – nothing less. No one should need a book or threats to make them be kind and giving people with empathy.
I don’t drink nor do I go to bars – but please – do not drink and drive. Joco has always been known for its moonshine – so let’s not pretend otherwise.
@Leighlah34. I’ve seen it also, Attend church on Sunday to confess the sins of MTWTFS to feel better about themselves. Got to love hypocrisy
That’s right celebrate that alcohol! Pay no attention to the fact that there are more alcohol related interactions with police, car accidents, domestic violence, and sexual abuse involving alcohol than any other substance. Just remember the same hypocrites downing the booze don’t want you to use a leaf.
Absolutely 💯
Can we get back the Mustang Ranch or some kind of Gentleman Club?
This is a reason why I ran TWICE to represent District 2, Smithfield in the past two election cycles. They tend not to care about the residents and favor the elite minorities over the majority of the people. Perhaps it is coming from a state level. I don’t know.
The fact that you lost twice should tell you that the majority of folks don’t agree with you.
This
“…and maintain at least 200 feet of separation from churches, childcare facilities, and residential properties”… “Because of restrictions in the newly adopted ordinance, the 100 block of South Third Street is the only likely location for bars and nightclubs in downtown B-1 zoning”. Are the apts in Austin Manor Apartments (Fronting on S Third St), considered ‘residences’?
By NC Building Codes, anywhere people sleep, other than institutional, are considered a “R” occupancy. Even the sleeping quarters in the fire station are a “R2′ occupancy.
R‑1 = transient (hotels, motels) → not applicable
R‑2 = apartments, dormitories, long‑term sleeping → matches fire stations
R‑3 = one‑ and two‑family dwellings → not applicable
R‑4 = assisted living / custodial care → not applicable
“R” stands for Residential in the North Carolina Building Code.
Wandering around downtown Smithfield at night?
Who thinks this is a grand idea?
The same people who thought a 6M$ baseball stadium was a good idea!
I find it disturbing that Sloan Stevens, a deacon at First Baptist Church on Fourth street, would vote to bring bars to downtown. I believe he also voted to allow alcohol during the Ham and Yam festival.
Johm, why connect Sloan being a Deacon with his vote and decisions for the town? As an elected official, he has a responsibility to represent ALL TAXPAYERS as constituents. Some, even ones that are members of FBC Smithfield, go to enjoy a drink, or two, with a friend. Leaving Smithfield to do that takes revenue from the community. His convictions as a Christian should bring insight and discernment in crafting a law that protects and supports. Protection for residential areas is essential.
Self righteous judgement, painted with a wide brush, is wrong regardless of one being a Deacon or not. I’m a member of FBC. I’m also a believer in the separation of church and state. My beliefs, and those of my elected officials, should not govern other’s actions that think and act differently than me. Sloan should be given the opportunity to do the same. IHis beliefs should absolutely guide him, but not be so rigid that they take away other people’s rights. I don’t lnwo Sloan, and disagree with some of his decisions (specifically the baseball stadium fiasco); however to bash him, for being a Deacon while simultaneously voting in favor of this ordinance is wrong and undemocratic.
And, there wouldn’t even have been a Ham and Yam festival without his family’s support. Yes, others would probably sponsor it now, but who was there decades ago when it started? We have evolved from prohibition, which was a disaster by the way. Let’s have a beer on a warm May day!
Fact is, you should get a clue about the roots of this community before being so haughty and silly, John.
Another reason for normal people to avoid downtown.
There are bars already downtown. Don’t need more. Just going to put more drunks on the road and cause more wrecks.
All these rich as*h***s on the council are, as the Bible says- ” lovers of themselves”, egotistical and could care less about common sense, morality, decency and other folks peace and quite. It’s all about power/ money. This is a stupid idea for unsaved millennial and other drunks who think their ” good times” should infringe on normal people who have no need for alcohol or other stimulants. Why don’t you jerks move to Raleigh or somewhere and stop trying to ruin what’s left of a decent town!!
Smithfield PD is gonna be busy, busy! Fights, drunk drivers, public intoxication, etc. etc. Be safe.
Smithfield trying to be like ****ing Raleigh.