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Augusta commissioners end Sunday liquor sales at Tiffany’s Eatery, impose six-month probation
Summary
The commission voted unanimously to rescind Sunday alcohol sales and require Tiffany’s Eatery to close at standard late-night hours, placing the Broad Street business on six monthsprobation after sheriffcomplaint about late-night disturbances and license violations.
Augusta commissioners on May 20 voted unanimously to rescind expanded alcohol permissions granted in January for Tiffany—s Eatery at 828 Broad Street, ordering the restaurant to stop Sunday liquor sales, revert to standard late-night closing hours and remain on probation for six months.
The action followed a presentation by Richmond County Sheriff Brantley, who told the commission deputies had documented a pattern of violations and disruptive behavior after the restaurant received extended hours and Sunday sales. "We began to see a sharp uprise and immediate escalation and problems at this location," the sheriff said, citing "alcohol being served after hours, indoor smoking, and hookahs used despite multiple warnings, the use of a DJ, and the creation of a dance floor without the appropriate dance hall license." He asked the commission to rescind the expanded permissions and return the business to its prior operating framework.
Why it matters: Commissioners said the measures aim to protect public safety and neighborhood quality of life while allowing the business an opportunity to operate responsibly. The commission framed the action as corrective rather than punitive, with several members urging the owner to use the reprieve to change operations.
In the hearing, owner Florence Henley and agent Alpha Lewis confirmed they would accept the conditions. Henley told the commission she agreed to the sheriff—s recommended restrictions. Commissioner Catherine Smith Rice moved to revoke the Sunday permit and set the hours; Commissioner Francine Scott seconded the motion. A roll-call vote recorded unanimous support from the commission.
Sheriff Brantley recommended additional probationary oversight, saying that if the business complies under the restricted permissions for six months, further action would not be necessary. Commissioner Al Mason warned the business against minimizing responsibility for incidents, and urged the owners to find lawful, profitable ways to serve their clientele. "You—ve been given another opportunity. I would implore you not to waste that opportunity," Mason said.
The commission did not enact full revocation of the business—s alcohol license, instead removing only the Sunday sales authorization and requiring adherence to standard closing times: 2:30 a.m. weeknights and 2:00 a.m. Saturdays, with a six-month probation period. The sheriff said probation would include closer monitoring by deputies.
Ending note: The commission closed the item after the vote by thanking the owners and the sheriff; officials said they want the business to succeed under the new restrictions and will revisit enforcement if further violations occur.
