Greenville considers changing late-night business permit process

GREENVILLE, S.C. (FOX Carolina) - The city of Greenville may change how bars and restaurants get approval to operate after midnight.

City leaders presented the proposal and asked for public input during a project preview meeting Monday night as part of a series of potential updates to the city’s development code.

Currently, businesses that want to operate after midnight must apply for a special exception permit, which requires final approval from the Board of Zoning Appeals and includes a public hearing.

Under the proposed change, that decision would shift to planning staff through a conditional use permit, and a public hearing would no longer be required.

Safety concerns drive discussions

The proposal comes less than a year after the city launched a new downtown safety initiative. While a final decision has not been made, the idea is already dividing residents.

Restaurant worker Marcos Espinosa said safety in downtown Greenville is a real concern and he supports the city’s efforts to increase police presence.

“I do agree with more police downtown. It does get wild. People are crazy,” Espinosa said.

The city boosted downtown police presence last year after videos of late-night fights circulated on social media. Less than two months ago, city leaders also approved a new entertainment overlay district, limiting where new late-night businesses can operate.

Residents split on proposal

Under the proposal, applications would go directly to planning and development staff, instead of the Board of Zoning Appeals. Some residents say that streamlines the process.

“The city staff is very good at looking at precedent. They also consult professionals who understand the situation. They don’t make decisions in a vacuum,” said Judy Benedict, a Greenville resident.

But others worry removing the public hearing silences community voices, including Espinosa.

“If you’re not really listening to the public, then who are you listening to?” he said.

Ryleigh, a Greenville resident, said she believes there should be a public hearing and that residents should have a voice.

Another downtown worker, who asked not to be identified, agreed.

“Bars and restaurants built Greenville. This place wasn’t what it is today 20 years ago. I think it should be in the hands of the public,” he said.

He supports more police but said the proposed change, like the overlay district, could go too far.

“I think the overlay is unfair to newer businesses. I think it scares bars away from opening downtown,” he said.

Supporters say the city is being proactive about safety concerns.

“For them to already be looking at ways to keep people safe downtown — I don’t really have a problem with that," Benedict said.

City officials said they will look at public feedback from Tuesday’s meeting. They add the proposed change would still include input from a technical advisory committee, including public safety experts. City Council is expected to discuss the proposal next week.

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