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Hillsborough Today
By the People, for the People
Charges Dropped Against Orange County Venue Owner
Dwight Bradsher Poole cleared of serving alcohol to underage drinkers at large party
Apr. 10, 2026 at 1:56pm
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The dismissal of charges against the venue owner raises questions about the enforcement of underage drinking laws and the challenges faced by event organizers.Hillsborough TodayCharges have been dismissed against an Orange County, North Carolina venue owner Dwight Bradsher Poole who was accused of allowing underage drinking at a large party held at his Smokehouse Valley Farm last year. After a review, authorities determined there was no basis for further legal action against Poole.
Why it matters
This case highlights the challenges venue owners can face when hosting large events, as well as the complexities around enforcing underage drinking laws and the potential consequences for business owners.
The details
Poole, the 60-year-old owner of Smokehouse Valley Farm, had been charged with multiple counts of aiding and abetting underage drinking, along with alcohol-related permit violations. The charges stemmed from a party held in May 2025 at his venue, where over 2,500 people attended. During the six-hour event, dispatchers received about 75 calls and more than 25 officers from multiple agencies responded, with several people taken to local hospitals.
- The party took place in May 2025.
- Charges were filed against Poole following the event.
- In November 2025, similar charges against Poole's wife, Rose Poole, were dropped due to insufficient evidence.
- On April 10, 2026, all charges against Dwight Bradsher Poole were dismissed.
The players
Dwight Bradsher Poole
The 60-year-old owner of Smokehouse Valley Farm who was accused of allowing underage drinking at a large party held at his venue.
Smokehouse Valley Farm
An Orange County, North Carolina venue where a large party with over 2,500 attendees took place in May 2025, leading to the charges against Poole.
Rose Poole
The wife of Dwight Bradsher Poole, who had similar charges against her dropped in November 2025 due to insufficient evidence.
What they’re saying
“'After a thorough review of the facts and circumstances surrounding the case, the appropriate authorities have determined that there is no basis for further legal action.'”
— Smokehouse Valley Farm, Venue Management
The takeaway
This case highlights the challenges venue owners can face when hosting large events, as well as the complexities around enforcing underage drinking laws and the potential consequences for business owners. The dismissal of charges against Poole suggests that the authorities may have determined there was insufficient evidence to support the allegations.
