Savannah City Council meeting sparks debate over liquor license approvals

by Stephanie Adkisson

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) -The Savannah City Council held its July monthly meeting Thursday, working through a docket of more than 30 items. Two matters drew the most attention from community members and council members: a liquor license request from Savannah Bee Company and a residential development proposal off Fort Argyle Road.

Savannah Bee Company license sparks debate

The Savannah Bee Company’s liquor license request ignited a heated discussion among multiple alderwomen including Alicia Miller Blakely, Bernetta Lanier, Linda Wilder-Bryan, and Mayor Van Johnson. Multiple residents and Alderwomen spoke during the meeting, raising concerns about why Savannah Bee Company could receive approval while another locally owned business down the road had been denied a license.

The council ultimately approved the Savannah Bee Company’s license.

Alderwoman Alicia Miller Blakely of District 2 said she opposed the decision on equity grounds.

“Because it’s not fair, it’s not equitable, and I refuse to vote again for another license on this until we look at that overlay and grant economic drivers for businesses, especially small Black-owned businesses,” Miller Blakely said.

Fort Argyle Road development approved with buffer condition

The Fort Argyle Road residential development was also approved, with one modification. Council members and Mayor Van Johnson added a 50-foot buffer between the project and the properties of long-standing residents in the area. Residents had voiced concerns about the development before the vote.