Charleston County Council advanced an amendment to its business-license ordinance (amendment to ordinance 21‑85, adopted Dec. 7, 2021) on second reading during the Dec. 9 meeting while hearing public comment from a local business owner concerned the changes could affect vendor standing and licensing.

Anthony G. Bryant, president of AG Bryant Group Inc., addressed the council during the public‑comment period and described what he said was a prior double bill and company dissolution that complicates his licensing status with the state and local authorities. Bryant said the policy language could lead to downstream impacts on vendor licenses and vendor standing with the Department of Revenue and secretary of state records, asking the council to “relook” the policy to avoid unintended consequences for small and minority‑owned businesses.

Council advanced the business‑license ordinance package on second reading by roll call (recorded as passing with seven ayes and one absent). Staff and council did not adopt an immediate amendment on the floor; any technical or legal questions would follow the standard ordinance amendment and staff‑review process.

Separately, Bryant raised concerns about DEI policies and downtown contracting, saying business owners need clarity on whether new language is race‑conscious or race‑neutral. Council members acknowledged the public comment; staff indicated the ordinance would be processed through the usual review steps between second and third reading.