Business owner and attorney deliver demand notice to Savannah leaders over liquor license dispute

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) -The owner of a Savannah event venue and her attorney have sent city officials a 14-page legal demand, requesting $500,000 in lost revenue and a formal review of the West Savannah alcohol overlay that has blocked the business from obtaining a liquor license.

Rashida Edwards, owner of Vintage Special Events Center, said the property falls just inside the West Savannah alcohol overlay, which prohibits alcohol sales. Edwards said she has been unable to apply for a liquor license as a result, and that missed bookings have cost her thousands of dollars in damages dating back to 2022 — including one missed opportunity totaling $40,000.

Legal demand targets mayor, city officials

Edwards and her attorney, Courtney Gilchrist, sent the formal legal demand to Savannah city officials, including Mayor Van Johnson. The 14-page document includes a list of demands and requests the city respond within 30 days.

“We understand what the original intent of this overlay was put in place for, but now we need to review it to see how we can ensure that it’s not impacting or overstating what the original intent was,” Gilchrist said.

Demands include agenda placement, ‘receipts,’ and $500K payment

The demand requests that city officials place the matter on the next city council meeting agenda, revisit the alcohol overlay and those properties included in it, issue a $500,000 payment for lost revenue, and produce what Edwards and Gilchrist describe as “receipts” — documents they say Mayor Johnson referenced during a Facebook Live video between himself and Edwards.

“There’s been multiple statements made by city council as well as the mayor himself indicating that he have receipts, and so now it’s time to put your mouth, your money where your mouth is and produce those receipts,” Gilchrist said.

Edwards says overlay is outdated, cites community impact

Edwards said she understands why the overlay was originally put in place and acknowledges it served a purpose at the time, but argues it is now outdated and is hurting small businesses as Savannah has grown.

“We’ve been able to skate by barely for four years, however the missed opportunities have began to pile up and so we’re hoping that in the future there’s some change and that we can keep this small business here in the community,” Edwards said.

Edwards said she already has policies in place — including security and parking policies — that she said would not negatively affect the surrounding community if she were granted a license.

Edwards said she wants the opportunity to be heard by community members and officials directly during a city council meeting.

“What my fight is today— should not be the fight of our future generations,” Edwards said.

The City of Savannah said it is unable to comment on any litigation matters, threatened or active.

Gilchrist said if the city does not respond within 30 days, legal action may be considered.