Liquor License Renewals Denied for Bars in Five Points Amid Community Concerns

Liquor License Renewals Denied for Bars in Five Points

Columbia, S.C. — In a recent twist for nightlife enthusiasts in the Five Points area, two local bars, Group Therapy and Saloon, have faced the unfortunate news of their liquor license renewals being denied. This decision comes amidst protests from some community members who believe that the presence of these bars contributes to a less-than-desirable environment, particularly for families and residents living nearby.

Concerns Echoed by Local Residents

There’s a few voices of discontent echoing through the neighborhood, and among them is attorney Dick Harpootlian, who represents residents from the Wales Gardens area close to Five Points. According to him, one major point of contention is the bars’ adherence to the law, specifically the requirement that a business must primarily serve meals to qualify for a liquor license. \”One of the reasons we’re litigating the two additional cases is we don’t believe that their primary and substantial business is a service of meals,\” Harpootlian explained.

Complaints from area residents range from wild nights filled with rowdy university students to concerns about underage drinking. Harpootlian recounted, \”A number of those bars were serving underage kids, 18-year-olds were drinking $1 liquor shots and becoming grossly intoxicated, rampaging through the neighborhood, destroying property, throwing up.\” He even shared a personal experience, stating, \”I mean, I found a kid passed out under a car, under a truck, not 100 yards from my house on Saluda Avenue.\” It’s clear that these encounters have left a mark on the community, raising questions about safety and quality of life in the area.

Bars Defend Their Operations

On the other side of the debate, the bars involved are putting up a strong defense. Bakari Sellers, the attorney representing both Group Therapy and Saloon, stated confidently, \”Saloon and Group Therapy are vital good corporate citizens, and I anticipate that, when the judge looks at the facts as they did previously, we will be successful again.\” He emphasized the bars’ commitment to complying with all local and state liquor laws.

Sellers expressed his hopefulness, adding, \”We’re going to evaluate the businesses that they stand. We have no questions about their compliance, but we’re going to see what we can do to make sure that they’re prepared for 2025. We always like to be ahead of the curve, and we’re going to lay out everything that this establishment has meant and will mean.\” The bars’ legal team appears set on addressing the concerns raised and demonstrating the bars’ contributions to the community.

Legal Definitions in Question

Complicating the situation further is the legal stipulation that requires businesses to primarily serve meals to obtain a liquor license. As Harpootlian points out, \”We’re going to give the courts an opportunity to find those terms, everything from meals to primary and determine whether or not we can have these so-called dive bars, which is pure bars. You can’t count chips and peanuts meals.” It’s a nuanced conversation that touches on the regulatory framework around liquor licenses and community standards.

Status Quo for Now

As of now, both bars can continue their operations legally while the protest moves through the courts. According to the South Carolina Department of Revenue, the current ruling allows Group Therapy and Saloon to keep their doors open until a decision is reached. This provides some relief for regular patrons and employees, who may be anxious about what’s next.

The situation is indeed layered, with concerns from residents contrasting with the bars’ desire to stay compliant and serve their customers. It will be interesting to see how things unfold in court, but for now, Columbia’s nightlife in Five Points is holding onto its vibrant character, albeit under a cloud of uncertainty.