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Council imposes 90-day stay on new convenience/package alcohol licenses in District 3; local applicant objects
Summary
The council approved a 90-day temporary stay on issuance of new alcoholic beverage licenses for convenience and package stores in Aldermanic District 3, prompting one speaker who said his pending application predated the stay; the measure passed unanimously on June 25, 2020.
On June 25 the Savannah City Council adopted a resolution imposing a temporary 90-day stay on the issuance of new alcoholic beverage licenses for convenience and package stores within Aldermanic District 3.
Alderwoman Linda Wilder-Bryan explained the rationale, citing studies that link concentrations of alcohol-selling establishments to increases in violent crime in some neighborhoods. Mr. Marlon Marchena, a general contractor who applied for a license at 1300 Wheaton Street, spoke in opposition and was told by City Attorney Bates Lovett that the stay would not affect applicants who had applied before the stay was approved.
Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and other supporters said the pause will allow the council and staff to evaluate neighborhood impacts. Alderman Palumbo moved to approve Item #19; the motion passed unanimously.
Why it matters: The temporary pause affects where new package and convenience store alcohol licenses can be issued in District 3 and is intended to give the city time to assess neighborhood safety and licensing concentrations.
