Ravenel council clears special-event permit for 5806 New Road after debate over alcohol, security and missing ordinance

The Town of Ravenel on June 24 approved a special-event permit for property at 5806 New Road after extended discussion about alcohol sales, crowd size and security arrangements and despite the absence of a complete local special-events ordinance.

Property owner Mr. Fraser (voice S12) told the council he had asked the South Carolina Department of Revenue and was told he could not sell alcohol without a license. The mayor and council repeatedly emphasized that alcohol would not be allowed at the event and that enforcement would be necessary. "So you can't have alcohol in this party?" an official asked; Mr. Fraser responded, "Yes, sir...With no alcohol."

Council members raised concerns about crowd control and public-safety staffing. One council member suggested a staffing level of two deputies per 100 attendees; the applicant's permit application listed 500 attendees. Charleston County Sheriff's Office Lieutenant Wade, who gave the monthly report earlier in the meeting, said deputies have been active in local enforcement but the council said the town needed a clearer policy for large, ticketed, for-profit events. The mayor and others acknowledged the town currently lacks a specific ordinance for for-profit special events and said staff will use county guidance while the town drafts a local rule.

Councilmember Cora moved to approve the special-event request and the motion carried in a roll-call vote recorded as Miss Brown — yes; Mr Cochran — yes; Miss Singleton — yes; Mr Waters — no; Mr Wilkinson — no; Mayor — yes. After the vote council directed the owner to meet with staff to function as a test case while the council develops a special-events ordinance that will clarify hours, amplified-music cutoffs, security expectations and insurance requirements.

The council also discussed enforcement options should alcohol be found on the property during the event; members asked staff and the sheriff's office for guidance on immediate shutdown authority and the required number of deputies. Officials said they would default to Charleston County's practice for now and work to establish a town-specific ordinance within the coming months.