News Summary
The Savannah City Council has approved new alcohol licenses and proposed fee reductions to support the local food and beverage industry. Among the new licenses is one for Squealing Hog BBQ and another for Palace Diner, allowing these establishments to expand their offerings. The city manager has also suggested reducing the planned alcohol permit fee increases amid concerns from business owners. Measures to facilitate affordable housing development were also discussed, furthering the city’s commitment to local business support and community needs.
Savannah, Georgia – The Savannah City Council has approved several new alcohol licenses and proposed fee reductions following concerns from local business owners during a meeting on October 12, 2025. The decision aims to support the expanding food and beverage industry while addressing the frustrations related to substantial fee hikes.
Among the newly approved licenses is one for Squealing Hog BBQ, which has received a Class C (Liquor) (By the Drink) Alcohol License with Sunday Sales. This marks an expansion from its existing Class C (Beer) Alcohol License. The establishment, which opened in March 2023, is located at 206 East Bay St. Similarly, the Palace Diner, previously known as The Diner, has also been granted a Class C (Beer, Wine) (By the Drink) Alcohol License with Sunday Sales. The diner is a local staple at 7202 Abercorn Street, having operated in the area for many years.
Further expansions into the market include a Marathon gas station located at 329 East Montgomery Crossroads, which has been approved to sell beer and wine by the package. The station is owned by Viral Patadiya. Additionally, Christina Pirovits received a Class C (Liquor) (By the Drink) Alcohol License for the 208 Wine Bar, allowing it to broaden its offerings beyond its original Class C (Beer, Wine) license. The wine bar is situated at 208 West Bay Street.
In response to the backlash from business owners regarding proposed fee increases, City Manager Jay Melder proposed a reduction of planned increases in alcohol permit fees from over 40% to 20%. Initially, the rise in fees for a beer license was set to increase significantly from $1,500 to $2,500, which sparked outrage among the over 600 alcohol license holders in Savannah. Melder clarified that while these fees have not been adjusted since 2018, they are crucial for funding enforcement services related to alcohol licenses and do not generate profit for the city.
Business owners have expressed the need for better communication from city staff concerning fee adjustments and operational changes. Previous issues surrounding license management were highlighted by a recent incident involving the Octane Bar, which had its liquor license revoked following a shooting outside the venue in September. The bar has since reopened as a lounge under probationary status with several compliance conditions, including a curfew requiring it to close by midnight Sunday to Thursday and by 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. A lawsuit has been filed against the establishment by the family of Tristan Manigault, who was killed in the shooting as it escalated from an interior dispute.
In addition to the alcohol license approvals, the City Council has taken measures to support affordable housing initiatives. These measures include a 25% reduction in impact fees for developments that provide affordable housing. Furthermore, nine properties in West Savannah were transferred to the Chatham County Savannah Land Bank Authority to facilitate affordable housing development funded by the Savannah Affordable Housing Fund.
Lastly, a density-bonus proposal concerning affordable housing has been postponed to January for further collaboration and feedback from the community, reflecting the city’s ongoing efforts to address housing needs along with local business support.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
208 Wine Bar to Expand Cocktail Offerings in Savannah
Body Found in Savannah River Sparks Investigation
Exploring Savannah’s Rich History and Culture
Traffic Disruptions Due to Road Closures in Savannah
Savannah City Council Approves New Alcohol Licenses
Latest Developments in Georgia’s Marijuana Legislation
Additional Resources
- WTOC: City leaders slightly walk back proposed alcohol license fees
- Wikipedia: Alcohol license
- WJCL: Savannah Octane Bar reopens after shooting
- Google Search: savannah alcohol license
- Savannah Now: Octane Bar alcohol license suspended
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Alcohol
- Fox28 Savannah: Local pubs frustrated with changes to Sunday alcohol sales
- Google News: Savannah alcohol business
- Savannah Business Journal: New liquor licenses approved
- Google Scholar: savannah alcohol license news
Author: STAFF HERE SAVANNAH WRITER
SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER The SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESavannah.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Savannah, Chatham County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Savannah Music Festival, St. Patrick's Day Parade, and Savannah Jazz Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Coastal Empire, plus leading businesses in aerospace, education, and logistics that power the local economy such as Gulfstream Aerospace, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Colonial Group. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HEREAugusta.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
