Planning commission recommends disapproval of conditional use for off-premise liquor store at South Bel Air Road

The Columbia County Planning and Zoning Commission on July 17 voted to recommend disapproval of a conditional use request (RZ250704) to allow a retail package sale of distilled spirits for off-premise consumption at 102 South Bel Air Road (proposed as a Steel Spirits location). Staff presented the site plan and a survey of surrounding uses, noting the proposed liquor store would be well beyond the ordinance’s 1-mile separation requirement from the nearest package store (the Golden Package, about 1.72 miles away) and well outside the 1,000-foot buffers for churches, parks and treatment centers. Staff recommended approval with a condition requiring connection to county sewer for development. Public comment drew several opposing speakers from nearby neighborhoods who cited concerns about traffic, proximity to homes, parks, pool areas and school bus stops, and potential safety and property-value impacts. One long-time resident described repeated vehicle break-ins in the neighborhood and said she feared the liquor store would worsen neighborhood conditions. Opposing testimony emphasized the site’s proximity to dense housing (Maple Creek, Brookwood) and the emotional stakes for families and retirees. Supporters, including a resident who said she patronized the applicant’s Richmond County store and described it as well run and well lit, urged the commission to approve the conditional use to broaden the tax base and create jobs. After hearing staff and public comment, a commissioner moved to recommend disapproval. The motion was seconded and carried. The commission’s recommendation is advisory; the Board of Commissioners will consider final action.