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Council approves waiver for Chop House 119 liquor-license distance rule after debate
Summary
Council authorized the town manager to deliver a state waiver form allowing NYCP Shelter LLC d/b/a Chop House 119 to seek an alcoholic beverage license within 300 feet of a town playground; the measure passed 6–1 after council members expressed concern about proximity to playgrounds.
The Town Council voted May 12 to authorize the town manager to execute and deliver the South Carolina licensing form (A B L 956) required when an applicant for a liquor‑by‑the‑drink license is within 300 feet of a playground, church, or school. The action will allow NYCP Shelter LLC, doing business as Chop House 119, to pursue a license after the establishment's previous license lapsed and state law created an affirmative waiver requirement.
Council discussed the request at length. Town staff said the applicant's prior license had lapsed and that a change in state law now requires the local governing body to confirm the town will not object to an applicant located within 300 feet of a playground, church or school. Several councilmembers, including Miss Bryson, said they were uncomfortable granting blanket waivers for town‑owned playgrounds and asked staff to study broader policy implications; others noted the town has mixed commercial and recreational uses in resort areas and that some existing businesses are already adjacent to playgrounds.
Miss Becker moved to authorize the town manager to deliver the waiver form; the motion carried 6–1 with Miss Bryson opposing. Council asked staff and the town attorney to gather clearer guidance on what facilities meet the statutory definition of a "playground" and to report back on whether further policy changes or clarifications are needed so the council can treat future requests consistently.
The council directed that the general question of how to handle playground proximity waivers be referred to the Finance & Administrative Committee for review and recommended that staff examine temporary‑event service implications and whether the town should adjust park designations to avoid repeated waiver requests.
