Savannah alderman questions liquor license leniency in downtown district

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - A Savannah alderman is calling into question the leniency of alcohol licenses in his district.

District 2 Alderman Detric Leggett says the downtown area has too many.

“We are saturated with a lot of liquor licenses in the second district,” Leggett said.

Leggett said the number of licenses puts stress on the city’s alcohol review committee and beverage compliance unit.

“We wanna make sure we slow it down a little bit so that we can have a handle on how many liquor licenses are going out so it can mimic how many employees can help these businesses as they move forward,” Leggett said.

There are no alcohol licenses on this week’s city council agenda.

Liquor licenses need to be renewed each year. In an open-container city like Savannah, they are crucial for businesses to capitalize off downtown foot traffic.

Java Burrito, a Mexican eatery and coffeehouse, is in possession of a liquor license.

“You can get a glass of coffee, a glass of wine, you can get a beer,” said Paul Corbet, president of the Downtown Neighborhood Association.

The city’s good neighbor agreement puts residents at the table for liquor license decisions. Corbet said the association leans into the culture of Savannah because of its entertainment benefits.

“There’s a process in place, and that process worked,” Corbet said.

“I’ve lived all over this country and I’ve never lived in an area where downtown is as vibrant as Savannah,” Corbet said.

City Manager Jay Melder said he realized why license leniency is prevalent after reading “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.”

“If you’re from Atlanta, they ask you what’s your school, if you’re from Augusta they ask you what’s your grandmother’s maiden name, if you’re from Macon they ask you what’s your church, if you’re in Savannah they ask you what’s your drink. I don’t know how many times has been referenced to me in public meetings,” Melder said.

The saying has not changed since the book came out in 1994.

For their executive director’s statement on the benefits that come from having a bevy of passed alcohol licenses, see below:

The Downtown Business Association’s key priority is advocating for our downtown businesses, which strive to remain in good standing and compliant with all current city alcohol licensing and ordinances. Our members work intentionally through their operations and staff training to ensure full compliance. 

We also support “good neighbor” agreements to ensure residents and businesses work together effectively. Many of our business owners are also local residents who are equally invested in community success.Enforcement is the key to holding bad actors accountable.

Businesses acess to alcohol licensing and taxation drive Savannah’s economic vitality and stability. In a fragile economy, we want our downtown businesses to feel supported & heard about any decisions that may impact them.

Mia Mance, Downtown Business Association Executive Director