Beaufort proposes social district to boost downtown business; business owners divided on initiative

BEAUFORT, S.C. (WTOC) - The City of Beaufort is searching for ways to bring customers back to its downtown corridor.

One idea gaining traction is designating the area as a social district where patrons could carry alcoholic beverages while shopping four nights a week.

The proposal has sparked considerable debate among business owners along Bay Street—some see it as a creative solution to boost foot traffic, while others worry it could create safety concerns.

The push to boost business downtown comes at a critical time.

“I think this would be a boost,” said Nan Sutton, owner of Lulu Burgess. “It would make people feel more comfortable to walk up and down the street, come downtown, and enjoy it.”

Several businesses have felt the effects of the historic waterfront closure and a year-long drainage project that disrupted the area.

“I believe that it might help add some vibrancy to downtown,” Sutton said.

The city already hosts a “First Friday” event each month to encourage visitors and support local merchants, but the proposed social district would extend that concept significantly—operating four days a week (Wednesday-Saturday) from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Not all business owners are convinced the social district is the right approach.

Lisa Mykleby, owner of M Home and Garden, expressed concern that the social district could bring a different demographic than her store needs.

“I’m afraid it’s going to attract a different element of customer than we need for our store. I don’t think that when they are drinking and strolling, they are seriously considering purchases at the price points at which we sell,” Mykleby said.

Beyond concerns about customer changes, several business owners raised practical questions about the proposal’s implementation.

Some worry about how the city plans to police the social district and ensure public safety. Others are uncertain whether they can afford to keep their stores open later in the evening to capitalize on extended hours.

Mykleby suggested a more measured approach: “I would be more in favor of having a social hour a few times a year, maybe just once every quarter.”

City officials are continuing their outreach to downtown merchants to gather feedback before moving forward.

They’re also working to fine-tune details of the proposal to ensure it’s ready for a potential pilot period beginning in April.

The coming weeks will be critical as the city tries to balance the desire to revitalize downtown with the legitimate concerns of business owners who call it home.