Apex Moves Toward June Launch for Downtown Social District
Creates designated areas where patrons can carry and enjoy alcoholic beverages outside participating businesses.
Apex, NC, Mar. 27, 2025 — Apex is preparing to launch its downtown social district in June, creating designated areas where patrons can carry and enjoy alcoholic beverages outside participating businesses. At the March 25 Town Council meeting, Economic Development Director Joanna Helms updated council members on final decisions needed to move forward, including signage design, container requirements, and ordinance development.
Helms outlined two scenarios for signage that would identify whether a business is participating in the social district:
Scenario A uses two color-coded signs—one indicating full participation (to-go sales and outside drinks allowed), and another allowing only to-go drinks.
Scenario B simplifies the approach with a single “green light” sign to signal general participation, requiring businesses to communicate their own policies.
Helms emphasized the importance of clarity for both businesses and visitors:
“The signage will do the talking in Scenario A… Scenario B, more responsibility falls to the business owner.” She added that the town’s communications team will ensure the signs are “clear, concise, very obvious, and look good.”
Businesses that opt out of the program can access an optional “red light” sign.
A previous point of confusion—whether patrons can carry drinks from one business to another—was addressed. Helms confirmed that state law permits this, so long as both businesses participate in the district and the second business allows it.
To comply with state regulations, all alcoholic beverages consumed in the social district must be served in clearly branded, disposable cups.
Helms shared cost estimates, noting that the cups would likely range between $0.55 and $0.75 per unit, depending on materials and order size. The town is considering whether to use a single, town-branded cup for consistency or allow businesses to use custom-branded designs.
“There will be reordering,” Helms said, adding that staff are still evaluating whether the town will manage bulk ordering or provide vendor options for businesses to handle their supply.
While Helms did not reference other municipalities during her presentation, Apex’s plans follow a growing trend in North Carolina. Neighboring towns have already adopted similar social districts:
Fuquay-Varina launched its district in May 2024, operating daily from 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. with visible boundary signage and participating business window decals.
Holly Springs is planning to launch its “Sip & Stroll” district on May 2, 2025, debuting during the town’s International Food Festival. The goal: boost local businesses by encouraging downtown foot traffic.
📅 Timeline: How Apex Got Here
July 2022 – The North Carolina General Assembly passes House Bill 890 (HB 890), authorizing municipalities to create social districts where licensed businesses can sell alcoholic beverages to-go for consumption in designated public areas.
Late 2022–2023 – Apex begins internal research and stakeholder discussions.
December 2024 – Council directs staff to develop an ordinance and implementation plan.
March 2025 – Staff presents signage, legal guidance, and container strategies for council feedback.
June 1, 2025 – Target launch date for the Apex Downtown Social District.
What’s Next
Town staff will finalize signage, container logistics, and business engagement efforts before the launch. The program is designed to foster a vibrant, walkable downtown that supports local businesses.
Mayor Jacques Gilbert expressed his support, saying:
“We are committed to creating a social district that reflects the unique character of Apex and provides a welcoming environment for residents and visitors alike.”
Helms echoed the town’s broader goals:
“We want this to be an experience that supports local business, creates community, and is easy to understand from the moment someone steps downtown.”