Greenville Restaurant Challenges City After Losing Special Permit
GREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA — A downtown restaurant is fighting back after the City of Greenville revoked its special exception permit, citing multiple violations tied to food service and late-night operations.
Permit Revocation Over Music and Food Service
City officials say Reys on Main Street, a former nightclub turned restaurant, violated conditions that allowed it to operate past midnight. One issue stemmed from the restaurant hosting DJs, which city policy restricts in favor of only ambient background music after midnight.
In an appeal letter, owner Jessica Kearns argued that the DJs used the same system as background music and pledged to stop hosting DJs after midnight.
Another violation cited by the city involved food service. During an inspection, two plainclothes law enforcement officers asked for food but were told none was available. The permit requires Reys to function as a full food and beverage establishment. Kearns countered that the second floor of the business remains under construction, limiting their ability to serve meals at the time.
City’s Statement on Enforcement
Greenville officials emphasized that revoking a permit is unusual. “Revoking a permit is rare and used as a last resort in cases of serious violations or repeated infractions,” the city said in a statement, adding that 106 businesses currently operate with special exception or conditional permits.
The city noted that staff members regularly audit businesses to ensure compliance and that these rules are designed to maintain downtown’s safety and vibrancy.
Community Concerns
Some patrons say Reys plays an important role in the downtown nightlife scene. Sarah Grey, a frequent visitor, said it’s her safest late-night option.
“For me, and the people I know, this is the place we go to last to go home,” Grey said. “This is the safest place to be.”
Grey expressed concern that closing or limiting Reys could make the area less safe, especially after viral videos showed fights in Greenville’s downtown club district earlier this year.
“There’s been a lot of fights around here with women,” she said. “Reys has always been the place you can go, and there’s never problems here.”
Next Steps in the Appeal
The restaurant’s owners will present their case at a Board of Zoning Appeals meeting scheduled for Thursday at 5 p.m. City and police officials clarified that there have been no recent fights linked directly to Reys.
As the appeal moves forward, the case highlights the balance Greenville leaders are trying to strike between regulating nightlife businesses and supporting a safe, thriving downtown.
Do you believe Greenville’s permit rules are fair to late-night restaurants and bars? Share your thoughts and join the conversation at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
