Downtown Beaufort launches “Social District” pilot, allowing shoppers to sip beer or wine in designated areas

BEAUFORT, S.C. (WTOC) - Downtown Beaufort is giving shoppers a new option every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday for the next 90 days: the ability to carry a cup of beer or wine while visiting participating stores and restaurants.

City leaders officially kicked off a Social District Pilot Program Friday afternoon, aimed at drawing more people downtown and boosting sales for local businesses—while still maintaining clear rules for safety and compliance.

How the social district works

To participate, visitors from 12 p.m.-8 p.m. can purchase beer or wine from a participating business. The drink must be placed in an official “Social District” themed cup that includes the business name and the date.

From there, people can walk along designated streets downtown with the drink, but they can only take the cup inside businesses that display a Social District sign.

If someone enters another location to get a new drink—or leaves the designated Social District area—the beverage must be thrown away.

Some retail stores and restaurants are not participating and will not provide the cups or allow alcohol inside their stores because they have liability concerns.

Why the city launched the program

Beaufort City Manager Scott Marshall said the idea for the program began several years ago, to break a cycle that can keep downtown quieter in the evenings.

“The idea was no one’s coming downtown in the evening because nothing is open and nothing is open because no one is coming downtown in the evening,” Marshall said. “So, it’s kinda a vicious circle, and what we are trying to do is introduce some kind of program, hours, or stimulus to break that pattern a little bit.”

City leaders also emphasized that law enforcement is part of the plan. Beaufort police officers will patrol the area while the Social District is active.

When it’s happening

After the 90-day pilot period, city leaders will review the results and decide the next steps, whether that be to extend it or make it a popular weekend activity.