Residents protest alcohol license for Savannah Bee Company; council approves 7–2

Savannah — Residents and neighborhood leaders spoke against a proposed alcohol license for Savannah Bee Company during a public hearing at the July 9 Savannah City Council meeting, but the council voted 7–2 to approve the license.

Several speakers during the two‑minute public‑comment period said the application undermined the intent of the city’s Alcohol Overlay District and risked negative effects on nearby neighborhoods. "If we are truly going to value the purpose of the Alcohol Overlay District, then we must also value the reason it was created," said Lakeisha Hodges, who spoke for residents concerned about concentration of alcohol sales and neighborhood impacts.

Alderman Bernetta B. Lanier asked the council to postpone the decision to allow review of a draft overlay amendment she said the city attorney had prepared. "I am going to request that we postpone this measure until August 13… so we can review what the city attorney has worked with us to create," Lanier said. She framed the request as an equity measure intended to ensure consistent application of overlay rules across districts.

A substitute motion to approve the license was offered by Alderman Wanda Bryant. Council discussion noted that the business had followed staff guidance and the license hearing had been legally advertised. After further debate the substitute motion carried by a recorded vote of 7 in favor and 2 opposed.

Mayor Van R. Johnson and other council members acknowledged residents’ concerns and said the council will continue work on overlay adjustments; Mayor Johnson also recorded appreciation for community engagement in the process. The clerk’s record shows petitions and neighborhood letters were submitted before the hearing.

What the license covers: The action approved a class E wine‑by‑the‑package and class G complimentary by‑the‑drink alcohol license for Savannah Bee Company at 313 Styles Avenue. The approval was procedural and limited to the licensing authority vested in council; it does not, by itself, change underlying zoning or the overlay map.

Next steps: Alderman Lanier and other council members said they will continue to work with staff and the city attorney on code adjustments to the Alcohol Overlay District; council indicated a follow‑up on overlay revisions could be scheduled for the August 13 meeting.

Provenance: Public hearing opened for this item at the start of item 7 and public comment and council debate are recorded across the meeting transcript from SEG 1738 through SEG 2250. The final vote was recorded in the clerk’s notes as 7–2 in favor.